Spontaneous bilateral neck of femur fractures and shoulder dislocation

BMJ Case Rep. 2011 Jan 25:2011:bcr0520103034. doi: 10.1136/bcr.05.2010.3034.

Abstract

Non-traumatic fractures mostly present a diagnostic dilemma. Fracture risk is less reported in non-epileptic seizures. Various metabolic conditions leading to a decrease in bone mineral density may also cause fractures. The authors report the case of non-traumatic fracture of an old woman who presented with fever, shortness of breath and right shoulder pain without any history of epilepsy. Episode of seizures was noted prior to admission. The patient had poorly controlled diabetes mellitus and severe hypoglycaemia was noted at the time of admission. She was admitted to a medical ward for a severe chest infection. Non-traumatic fracture dislocation of the right shoulder was also noted upon admission and treated conservatively. Bilateral hip fractures were not diagnosed till the fourth day. Patient had multiple comorbidities making the management very difficult. Here the authors will discuss the possible aetiology of this pattern of pathologies and the multidisciplinary management of such a rare case in detail.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Female
  • Femoral Neck Fractures / complications*
  • Femoral Neck Fractures / etiology
  • Femoral Neck Fractures / therapy
  • Humans
  • Shoulder Dislocation / complications*
  • Shoulder Dislocation / etiology
  • Shoulder Dislocation / therapy