title: Bilateral femoral neck insufficiency fractures secondary to vitamin D deficiency and concurrent corticosteroid use--a case report.
abstract: We present a rare case of a 67-year-old Indian female who was found to have bilateral insufficiency of the neck of femur fractures secondary to osteomalacia from vitamin D deficiency, with her symptoms exacerbated by a course of oral steroids prescribed for suspected polymyalgia rheumatica.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Bilateral femoral neck fractures are rare and are known to be associated with a variety of conditions such as parathyroid or renal dysfunction.
  
  
  METHODS
  We present a rare case of a 67-year-old Indian female who was found to have bilateral insufficiency of the neck of femur fractures secondary to osteomalacia from vitamin D deficiency, with her symptoms exacerbated by a course of oral steroids prescribed for suspected polymyalgia rheumatica.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In patients with severe bilateral hip pain and a normal pelvic radiograph, it is important to consider magnetic resonance imaging early to avoid missing this important diagnosis.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Osteomalacia and vitamin D deficiency is an important differential diagnosis in any patient presenting with bone and muscle pain. Vitamin D levels are easily available and deficiency is easily treated.
authors: Department of Orthogeriatrics, Birmingham Heartlands Hospital, Birmingham, UK, tjcarter@doctors.org.uk.
authors: T
authors: T
authors: Carter
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Nutt
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Simons
mesh_terms: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000009:adverse effects; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005265:Femoral Neck Fractures / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D063806:Myalgia / Q000209:etiology; D010018:Osteomalacia / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000209:etiology*; D011111:Polymyalgia Rheumatica / Q000188:drug therapy; D014808:Vitamin D Deficiency / Q000150:complications*
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones