Bilateral femoral neck fractures after an epileptic attack: A case report

INTRODUCTION: Bilateral femoral neck fractures can occur due to high- or low-energy trauma, in the presence of various predisposing factors, such as osteoporosis, renal osteodystrophy, hypocalcemic seizures, primary or metastatic tumors, electroconvulsive therapy, epileptic seizures, and hormonal disorders. PRESENTATION OF CASE: This report presents a case of bilateral femoral neck fractures that occurred during an epileptic attack in a 24-year-old male with mental retardation. His complaints had started after a grand mal epileptic attack 10 days earlier. Bilateral displaced femoral neck fractures (Garden type 4) were seen in lateral radiographs of both hips. The patient was operated on urgently, with closed reduction, three stainless steel cannulated screws, and internal fixation applied to both hips. At postoperative week 12, solid joining was achieved and active walking with complete loading was started. DISCUSSION: Bilateral femoral neck fractures can occur following a grand mal epilepsy attack in young patients. The use of antiepileptic drugs can also lead to the development of pathological fractures by reducing bone mineral density. CONCLUSION: Femoral neck fractures should be suspected in patients with epilepsy who present with severe pain in both hips and an inability to walk. Stainless steel implants can be used for treatment. The viability of the femoral head should be evaluated by scintigraphy. Bone mineral density should be monitored in patients who use anti-epileptic drugs, and internal fixation is preferred in the treatment of femoral neck fractures.