Bilateral femoral neck insufficiency fractures secondary to vitamin D deficiency and concurrent corticosteroid use—a case report

Abstract

We present a rare case of a 67-year-old Indian female who was found to have bilateral insufficiency of the neck of femur fractures secondary to osteomalacia from vitamin D deficiency, with her symptoms exacerbated by a course of oral steroids prescribed for suspected polymyalgia rheumatica. Bilateral femoral neck fractures are rare and are known to be associated with a variety of conditions such as parathyroid or renal dysfunction. We present a rare case of a 67-year-old Indian female who was found to have bilateral insufficiency of the neck of femur fractures secondary to osteomalacia from vitamin D deficiency, with her symptoms exacerbated by a course of oral steroids prescribed for suspected polymyalgia rheumatica. In patients with severe bilateral hip pain and a normal pelvic radiograph, it is important to consider magnetic resonance imaging early to avoid missing this important diagnosis. Osteomalacia and vitamin D deficiency is an important differential diagnosis in any patient presenting with bone and muscle pain. Vitamin D levels are easily available and deficiency is easily treated.