Case Reports in Orthopedics (Jan 2016)

Effect of Long-Term Use of Bisphosphonates on Forearm Bone: Atypical Ulna Fractures in Elderly Woman with Osteoporosis

  • Yusuf Erdem,
  • Zafer Atbasi,
  • Tuluhan Yunus Emre,
  • Gülis Kavadar,
  • Bahtiyar Demiralp

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/4185202
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 2016

Abstract

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Osteoporosis is a common musculoskeletal disease of the elderly population characterized by decreased bone mineral density and subsequent fractures. Bisphosphonates are a widely accepted drug therapy which act through inhibition of bone resorption and prevent fractures. However, in long-term use, atypical bisphosphonate induced fractures may occur, particularly involving the lower weight bearing extremity. Atypical ulna fracture associated with long-term bisphosphonate use is rarely reported in current literature. We present a 62-year-old woman with atypical ulna due to long-term alendronate therapy without a history of trauma or fall. Clinicians should be aware of stress fracture in a patient who has complaints of upper extremity pain and history of long-term bisphosphonate therapy.