Case Report
Bilateral femoral neck fractures in an adult male following minimal trauma after a simple mechanical fall: a case report
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* Corresponding author: Christopher Rao christopher.rao@imperial.ac.uk
1 Northwick Park Hospital, Watford Road, Harrow, Middlesex HA1 3UJ, UK
2 Department of Biosurgery and Surgical Technology, Imperial College London, 5 Cheerytree House, Droop Street, London W10 4EL, UK
Cases Journal 2009, 2:92 doi:10.1186/1757-1626-2-92
Published: 28 January 2009Abstract
Background
Despite being rare there are several reports in the medical literature of bilateral femoral neck fractures in adult patients. They have been reported to have occurred following major trauma, or as a result of primary or secondary bone disease. In this case report we describe for the first time in the literature bilateral femoral neck fractures in a patient following minimal trauma after a simple mechanical fall.
Case presentation
We describe the case of an 84-year-old gentleman who sustained bilateral intracapsular fractures following a simple mechanical fall. Prompt diagnosis and early surgical intervention resulted in a satisfactory outcome.
Conclusion
This case highlights that in the elderly, even in the absence of primary and secondary bone disease, bilateral neck of femur fractures can occur following relatively minor trauma. Consequently, the orthopaedic surgeon, emergency physician and general practitioner should be aware of this injury, particularly when managing traumatic injuries in confused patients.