title: Atypical femur fractures: a review.
abstract: Bisphosphonates are one of the most commonly prescribed medications for the treatment of osteoporosis. Their use has greatly decreased the number of osteoporosis-related vertebral and nonvertebral fractures. Recently, however, a relationship between long-term bisphosphonate use and subtrochanteric and femoral shaft fractures has been elucidated. These low-energy fractures, termed atypical femur fractures, exhibit unique characteristics in their pathophysiology, presentation, and radiographic appearance compared with more traditional high-energy femur fractures. Here we provide a review based on the most recent literature of the pathophysiology, presentation, evaluation, and management of these fractures. Despite an abundance of literature, atypical femur fractures remain difficult to treat, and surgeons must be aware of the tricks and complications associated with their management.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases, 301 E 17th St, New York, NY, USA.
authors.forename: Wesley H
authors.initials: WH
authors.lastname: Bronson
authors.forename: I David
authors.initials: ID
authors.lastname: Kaye
authors.forename: Kenneth A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Egol
mesh_terms: D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004164:Diphosphonates / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005264:Femoral Fractures / Q000145:classification* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D005269:Femur / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D005594:Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary; D006801:Humans; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000517:prevention & control; D015995:Prevalence; D011859:Radiography; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents; D004164:Diphosphonates