Fracture neck of femur or osteomalacia in masquerade: A rare case report

Abstract

A 21 year old female presented with pain in right hip following a fall two weeks ago, patient was misdiagnosed by various orthopedicians as fracture neck of femur and was recommended surgery. Metabolic work was done for this patient and she was diagnosed as a case of osteomalacia. Patient was started on appropriate supplementation and weight bearing delayed. Two months following treatment, patient has radiographic as well as clinical healing. Osteomalacia is the bony manifestation of altered vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus metabolism in an adult. Osteomalacia may present in several forms, including a rare form of suspected fracture following trivial trauma. Orthopaedic surgeons should be fully aware of this condition and be able to rule out metabolic disorders such as osteomalacia before posting patient for unneccesary surgery.