A Novel Disorder of Osteoporosis, Osteonecrosis, and Metaphyseal Fracture
Hans-Georg Zmierczak1, Guy Taylor2, Tim Cundy3
1Department of Endocrinology Ghent University Hospital Ghent Belgium.
Abstract:
We describe two unrelated women who in their fifth decade developed a severe disorder characterized by large joint osteonecrosis and multiple minimal trauma fractures in both the axial and appendicular skeleton, including unusual metaphyseal fractures of the proximal tibia. Bone density testing showed borderline osteoporosis of the spine and osteopenia of the femur. Therapy with bisphosphonates and teriparatide failed to prevent further fractures. To our knowledge, this disorder has not been described previously. Investigations to date, including a genetic screen, have not revealed its cause. © 2020 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Related Concept Videos
Bone Disorders
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
Bone Remodeling
Fractures: Bone Repair
Minor fractures with no bone displacement are treated by immobilizing the fractured bone using a cast or splint. However, in the case of fractures with displaced bones, the broken bones are repositioned before immobilization to ensure successful healing without deformation and loss of function. The realignment of fractured bone ends is performed through a process called reduction. If the...
Osteoclasts in Bone Remodeling
What is the Skeletal System?
Essential Minerals for Bone Health
Calcium and Phosphorus
Calcium is a critical component of bones, especially in the form of calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate. Since the body cannot make calcium, it must be obtained from the diet. However, calcium cannot be absorbed from the small intestine without...


