Atypical Insufficiency Fracture of the Tibia Associated With Long-Term Bisphosphonate Therapy.
Breglia, Michael D. MD *; Carter, John D. MD +
[Report] JCR: Journal of Clinical Rheumatology. 16(2):76-78, March 2010.

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Osteoporosis is a major public health threat affecting millions of individuals in the United States. Bisphosphonate therapy is currently recognized as a first-line treatment of osteoporosis through the inhibition of osteoclast activity. Concerns have been raised about potential oversuppression of bone turnover and the development of atypical skeletal fragility associated with long-term use of bisphosphonates. A number of case reports in the literature have documented atypical insufficiency fractures in patients on long-term bisphosphonate therapy. This case outlines what we believe is the second documented atypical tibial insufficiency fracture in a patient on long-term bisphosphonate therapy, and highlights the need for increased awareness of atypical insufficiency fractures as well as the need for more data concerning the long-term effects of bisphosphonate therapy.

(C) 2010 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.