Atypical femoral fracture in a patient with nutritional osteomalacia: a case report and literature review

Atypical femoral fractures (AFF) are rare stress fractures with specific diagnostic criteria, as outlined in a report published by the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research. These criteria are categorized into major and minor features, and AFF can be classified as either complete or incomplete. Bisphosphonates have been shown to increase the risk of AFF, and most cases of AFF are associated with bisphosphonate use. We present a unique case of AFF in a young woman with no history of bisphosphonate use. She was taking oral contraceptive pills and inhaled corticosteroids for asthma. Later, she was diagnosed with nutritional osteomalacia. The patient was managed surgically with bilateral intramedullary nailing, resulting in a favorable outcome.