Successful Conservative Treatment

Abstract

Bisphosphonates have been commonly used for the treatment of osteoporosis. However, there have been recent case reports of atypical fractures citing their long-term use, which inhibits the turnover of bone components. A 64-year-old woman visited the outpatient clinic with pain in her right thigh and ambulation difficulty. We found fractures at both pedicles of L4 vertebra. subtrochanteric region of right femur, and left femoral shaft upon a radiologic examination. She had taken intravenous ibandronic sodium for osteoporosis over 3 years. We changed the bishophonates to a parathyroid hormone because it was suspected that the multiple fractures were caused by the medication. Further, rehabilitation, including progressive weight bearing, was started. After 3 months of the conservative treatment, she was able to walk independently. In conclusion, it is necessary to evaluate the possibility of atypical fractures in osteoporotic patients when they complain of lower extremity pain and to consider alternative treatments instead of bisphosphonates.