Low-velocity simultaneous bilateral femoral neck fracture following long-term antiepileptic therapy: A case report

BACKGROUND: Simultaneous bilateral femoral neck fractures are relatively rare injuries. They are usually associated with underlying metabolic bone disorders or systemic diseases. Long-term use of narcotics and bisphosphonates can also result in similar fracture patterns; however, association of this fracture type with long-term use of antiepileptic drugs is not very common. Only one such case has been reported in the literature. This article describes the second. CASE REPORT: We report a case of simultaneous displaced bilateral femoral neck fractures in a 50-year-old epileptic patient, who had taken phenytoin for the past 3 years. The fractures were a result of low-velocity injury following a fall from the bed. The fractures were managed with a bilateral hemi-replacement arthroplasty. Oral bisphosphonates were given to improve the bone quality in the post-operative period. The patient had a good post-operative outcome, that was sustained throughout the entire follow-up period of 1 year. CONCLUSION: Antiepileptic drugs should be supplemented with bisphosphonates and vitamin D to improve bone quality and prevent fractures in epileptic patients.