BACKGROUND: Atypical femur fractures are widely recognized and associated with anti-resorptive therapy, most commonly bisphosphonates. These fractures generally occur in the femoral shaft or subtrochanteric region. Cases of atypical fractures at non-femur sites, including the ulna, have been reported. CASE REPORT: Here we report a probable atypical ulnar fracture in a man receiving denosumab, who had been using his upper extremities for transfers and ambulation. Radiographs demonstrated a non-comminuted, transverse fracture somewhat similar to findings of atypical femur fractures. He was deemed a poor surgical candidate and treated with teriparatide. To our knowledge, this is the first reported probable atypical ulnar fracture potentially associated with denosumab use. CONCLUSION: We believe it important that clinicians be aware of the association of anti-resorptive therapy with atypical fractures not only of the femur, but also at other skeletal sites. In patients on long-term anti-resorptive therapy, it is appropriate to consider that persistent "prodromal" pain might indicate an impending atypical fracture at an atypical skeletal site.
BACKGROUND: Atypical femur fractures are widely recognized and associated with anti-resorptive therapy, most commonly bisphosphonates. These fractures generally occur in the femoral shaft or subtrochanteric region. Cases of atypical fractures at non-femur sites, including the ulna, have been reported. CASE REPORT: Here we report a probable atypical ulnar fracture in a man receiving denosumab, who had been using his upper extremities for transfers and ambulation. Radiographs demonstrated a non-comminuted, transverse fracture somewhat similar to findings of atypical femur fractures. He was deemed a poor surgical candidate and treated with teriparatide. To our knowledge, this is the first reported probable atypical ulnar fracture potentially associated with denosumab use. CONCLUSION: We believe it important that clinicians be aware of the association of anti-resorptive therapy with atypical fractures not only of the femur, but also at other skeletal sites. In patients on long-term anti-resorptive therapy, it is appropriate to consider that persistent "prodromal" pain might indicate an impending atypical fracture at an atypical skeletal site.