A rare complication after intertrochanteric fracture treated with proximal femoral nail: femoral neck insufficiency fracture.

Abstract

We present a case, 82-year-old woman, sustaining intertrochanteric fracture treated with proximal femoral nail. Up to 14 months postoperatively, everything went on seamlessly. Then, there was a rapid onset of worsening of the functional capacity. She came to outpatient clinic by using wheelchair. Plain X-rays revealed a femoral neck fracture on the operative side with no history of trauma. Laboratory studies showed no significant abnormalities but vitamin D [25 (OH) D] level was 14.82 ng/ml. X-ray survey of skeletal system was not indicative of osteomalacia. We performed total hip replacement instead of internal fixation due to patient's age. Vitamin D replacement therapy was launched. Three months later, she was totally satisfactory with clinical result and 25 (OH) D level increased to 53.68 ng/ml. At the last visit, the patient was pain free and active in all her recreational activities.