Coeliac disease presenting with bilateral fibular stress fractures.
We present the case of an apparently healthy 22-year-old female who presented with atraumatic stress fractures of both fibulae. Further investigation demonstrated that she had osteopoenia secondary to occult coeliac disease. The fractures were successfully treated non-operatively. The awareness of the prevalence of occult coeliac disease is increasing due to simpler diagnostic tests, as is its significance as a cause of secondary osteoporosis. Knowing the relationship between these two conditions will help orthopaedic surgeons treating such patients to refer them promptly to appropriate specialists.
Gilbody
Julian
J
Trauma & Orthopaedics, Worcestershire Royal Hospitals NHS Trust, United Kingdom. gilbody@doctors.org.uk
Trevett
Michael
M
D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon; D000328:Adult; D015519:Bone Density; D002446:Celiac Disease / Q000150:complications*; D005260:Female; D005360:Fibula / Q000293:injuries*; D015775:Fractures, Stress / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging