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Imaging of the Microstructural Failure Mechanism in the Human Hip
Published on: September 29, 2023
Recurrent Subchondral Insufficiency Fracture of the Femoral Head: A Case Report
Takuya Ishibashi1, Koichi Kinoshita1, Ayumi Minokawa2
1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Fukuoka University, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka 814-0180, Japan.
Introduction:
Subchondral insufficiency fracture (SIF) of the femoral head has been reported to occur in older women with osteoporosis. No cases with recurrence of SIF at another site in the ipsilateral femoral head have been described.
Case Report:
We report a case of a 75-year-old woman with recurrent SIF at another site in the ipsilateral femoral head. SIF was first observed at an anterolateral site on the femoral head and treated non-operatively. The hip pain disappeared after 3 months but recurred 5 months later when another SIF was newly observed at a posterolateral-to-medial site on the femoral head. This SIF was also treated non-operatively. Five months later, the pain was alleviated, but progression of osteoarthritis was seen on X-rays.
Conclusion:
After an initial SIF, the possibility of recurrence should be considered if pain recurs, even on the ipsilateral side.
