Ayurvedic Medications as Accelerating Cause of Atraumatic Bilateral Femur Neck Fracture in a Young Indian Male with Kidney Disease: A Unique Case Report

INTRODUCTION: In chronic renal failure, plasma 1,25-hydroxyvitamin D levels decrease due to the disturbance of the hydroxylation of 25-hydroxyvitamin D in the kidney, which results in decreased calcium absorption from the intestine. This induces hypocalcemia, which increases the secretion of parathyroid hormone. Parathyroid hormone can stimulate bone resorption which renders the bone susceptible to fractures even with trivial trauma. CASE REPORT: The present case describes a 41-year-old male who was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease for 6 months and started taking Ayurvedic medications after the diagnosis was established. The patient was a known hypertensive for 10 years and the patient was not taking medications for hypertension. The patient had a trivial trauma 2 months back following which he was able to walk and carry out his daily activities. He developed pain over both the hip joints which were gradually progressive and pain increased to the point, wherein the patient was unable to walk 1 month after the episode of trivial trauma. The patient was admitted for inability to walk and a radiographic study of the pelvis revealed bilateral femur neck fracture. Since the left hip was more symptomatic, the patient underwent total hip replacement of the left hip first following which total hip replacement of the right hip was done 4 days after the first surgery. The patient started ambulating full-weight-bearing with the help of a height adjustable walker from the very next day after total hip replacement of the right hip. CONCLUSION: Although Ayurvedic medications have been in practice since centuries, their side effects need to be documented correctly. This particular case suggests the role of Ayurvedic medications in accelerating osteoporosis of the proximal femur, leading to bilateral femur neck fractures.