Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery (Aug 2009)
Bilateral Pathological Hip Fractures in a Patient with a Bipulmonary Transplant: A Case Report
Abstract
The use of immunosuppressive agents to prevent tissue rejection may predispose patients to osteoporosis and fractures. We report a case of bilateral pathological hip fractures in a woman with osteoporosis who had undergone a bipulmonary transplant. To reduce the risk of pathological fractures, patients are given prophylaxes for osteoporosis prior to organ transplantation, but they remain at increased risk of fractures. They should be informed that this side-effect may occur after transplantation.