Persistence of Atypical Femoral Fracture 14 Years After Initial Diagnosis: A Case Report

A 75-year-old woman presented with left thigh pain 14 years after initial diagnosis of bilateral atypical femoral fractures secondary to chronic bisphosphonate use. New radiographic imaging and magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated bilateral incomplete femur fractures with surrounding marrow edema, cortical remodeling, and periosteal edema in a manner similar to that found 14 years earlier upon original diagnosis.

Recurrence of pain 14 years after initial diagnosis supports consideration of initial surgical management of atypical femur fractures (AFFs), even in patients with nonoperative symptom improvement. Patients who decline surgical intervention should be informed that incomplete AFFs may become a chronic medical condition moving forward.