Abstract

Bisphosphonates are widely used in the treatment of osteoporosis but predispose the patient to the appearance of atypical fractures. The femoral subtrochanteric region is usually affected, but other bones can be as well. Atypical tibia fractures in patients with severe gonarthrosis is a therapeutic challenge. The present work reports the case of an elderly patient with advanced gonarthrosis who presented atypical tibial fracture. The patient made prolonged use of bisphosphonates for osteoporosis, presenting with pain and functional limitation resulting from gonarthrosis, which progressed to sudden pain in the right tibial metaphysis, preventing ambulation. The radiographs showed bilateral severe arthrosis; marked varism; tibial and femoral medial erosion; and fracture in the proximal third of the right tibial diaphysis. The fracture and arthrosis on the right side were treated by osteosynthesis with blocked plaque and total knee arthroplasty with posterior stabilization and fixed base. After physical rehabilitation, significant improvement of pain and function was reported, independent gait was reacquired and a range of motion of 0 to 100º was reached. After one year, the radiographs showed fracture consolidation and satisfactory alignment of the lower limbs’ axes. The coexistence of severe arthrosis and atypical fracture made treatment difficult. However, the result was satisfactory and the approach with simultaneous osteosynthesis and arthroplasty proved to be adequate.

Keywords
bisphosphonate; bone fractures; arthroplasty; knee