Bilateral Intertrochanteric Femur Fractures in a Paraplegic Patient: A Case Report

Abstract

Bilateral intertrochanteric (IT) femur fractures are rare, and appropriate evaluation and treatment can vary depending on concurrent patient comorbidities. Even less has been described for patients with bilateral IT fractures with pre-existing paraplegia. This case report describes the unique case of a 72-year-old paraplegic female who presented with bilateral IT femur fractures due to a wheelchair accident. The patient was treated with single-stage bilateral cephalomedullary nail fixation so she could effectively transfer to and from the wheelchair with less pain and a greater chance of fracture union. At the last follow-up, the patient’s pain had resolved and she was able to transfer as effectively and safely as her pre-injury baseline. Single-stage cephalomedullary fixation of bilateral IT femur fractures is indicated in the paraplegic population to relieve pain and improve effective safe transfers for daily activities.