Iatrogenic femoral neck fracture in transient osteoporosis of the hip. A case report.

The diagnostic evaluation of suspected cases of transient osteoporosis of the hip does not typically include biopsy. Presented herein is a case in which an open biopsy procedure was undertaken in the presence of severe osteopenia. An iatrogenic fracture occurred during the surgical exposure. The fracture healed and the condition subsequently resolved. This complication suggests the importance of noninvasive diagnostic modalities in the assessment of this condition. The fragility of the proximal femur also suggests a potential role for a period of protected weight bearing in the management of transient osteoporosis of the hip.