refracture of the tibia 6 years after bilateral tibia nail removal in a patient later diagnosed with osteopetrosis

Joost H van Linge1,2, JHJM Gert Bessems1 , P Koen Bos11Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; 2Reinier de Grant Gasthuis, Ga Delft, the NetherlandsAbstract: Osteopetrosis is a rare bone disease with a high fracture incidence and a risk for recurrent fractures. We describe a case report of an adult female with a refracture of her right tibia 6 years after routine bilateral tibia nail removal. The patient and 3 of her family members had a history of multiple (stress) fractures. Later we diagnosed autosomal dominant osteopetrosis in our patient and her family. In addition we give an overview of osteopetrosis and our considerations regarding routine removal of intramedullary implants in these patients.Keywords: fracture, stress fracture, pathological fracture, intramedullary nailing