T Carter1, J Nutt, A Simons. 1. Department of Orthogeriatrics, Birmingham Heartlands Hospital, Birmingham, UK, tjcarter@doctors.org.uk.
Abstract
UNLABELLED: 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. INTRODUCTION: Bilateral femoral neck fractures are rare and are known to be associated with a variety of conditions such as parathyroid or renal dysfunction. METHOD: 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. RESULT: 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. CONCLUSION: 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.
UNLABELLED: 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. INTRODUCTION: Bilateral femoral neck fractures are rare and are known to be associated with a variety of conditions such as parathyroid or renal dysfunction. METHOD: 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. RESULT: 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. CONCLUSION: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.