Bilateral femoral neck fractures in an adult male following minimal trauma after a simple mechanical fall: A case report

Abstract

Background: Despite being rare there are several reports in the medical literature of bilateral femoral neck fractures in adult patients. They have been reported to have occurred following major trauma, or as a result of primary or secondary bone disease. In this case report we describe for the first time in the literature bilateral femoral neck fractures in a patient following minimal trauma after a simple mechanical fall. Case presentation: We describe the case of an 84-year-old gentleman who sustained bilateral intracapsular fractures following a simple mechanical fall. Prompt diagnosis and early surgical intervention resulted in a satisfactory outcome. Conclusion: This case highlights that in the elderly, even in the absence of primary and secondary bone disease, bilateral neck of femur fractures can occur following relatively minor trauma. Consequently, the orthopaedic surgeon, emergency physician and general practitioner should be aware of this injury, particularly when managing traumatic injuries in confused patients. © 2009 Sood et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.