[Biphosphonate-induced femoral stress fractures : A new problem and knowledge so far - case report]

During the last several years the treatment of osteoporosis with bisphosphonates has become accepted as a safe and effective procedure. However, recently there have been increasing numbers of reports of rare complications in the literature. Particularly the occurrence of atypical fractures of the femur has become a focus of interest but the problem is insufficiently known and only rarely addressed in the scientific discussion. The case illustrated here and a survey of the important facts in the recent literature highlight essential aspects of long-term bisphosphonate therapy.