J Korean Orthop Assoc.  2013 Jun;48(3):175-179. 10.4055/jkoa.2013.48.3.175.

Epidemiology and Clinical Features of Atypical Femoral Fractures

• Lee YK
• Yoon BH
• Koo KH

• KMID: 2106669
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4055/jkoa.2013.48.3.175

Abstract

Atypical femoral fractures occur at the subtrochanteric or diaphyseal area, unlike typical hip fractures. Characteristics of atypical femoral fractures include their location in the subtrochanteric region and the femoral shaft, transverse or short oblique orientation, minimal or no associated trauma, a medial spike when the fracture is complete, and absence of comminution. The incidence of atypical femoral fracture is very low, and several studies have reported statistically significant association of long-term bisphosphonate therapy with atypical femoral shaft fractures; however, this has not been proven. We review the epidemiology and clinical features of atypical femoral fracture in the literature, and also discuss the association between atypical femoral fracture and long-term use of bisphosphonate.

Keyword

atypical femoral fracture; bisphosphonate; epidemiology; clinical feature

MeSH Terms

Femoral Fractures
Hip Fractures
Incidence
Orientation

Figure

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  Figure 1 (A) Radiograph showing a typical intertrochanteric fracture in right hip. (B) Radiograph showing an atypical subtrochanteric fracuture in right hip.

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