Simultaneous bilateral femoral neck fractures after electrical shock injury: a case report

Abstract

Simultaneous bilateral fractures of the femoral necks are rare injuries especially when there is no underlying pathological condition. We report a 20-year-old man who sustained bilateral femoral neck fractures resulting from an accidental electric shock with 440V direct current. Simultaneous bilateral femoral neck fractures after electrical shock injury without falling from a height are rather uncommon in clinic. The main cause of the fracture may be muscle contraction. This case highlights that even in the absence of primary and secondary bone disease bilateral fractures of the femoral necks can occur following electric shock injury. We successfully managed this case with bilateral cannulated screw fixation without bone grafting. Surgeons caring for patients with electrical injury should be aware of the possibility of skeletal injuries which can go unnoticed leading to delay in diagnosis and increased risk of complications