Idiopathic juvenile osteoporosis: A case report and review of the literature

Int J Surg Case Rep. 2015:9:127-9. doi: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2015.02.043. Epub 2015 Feb 26.

Abstract

Introduction: Idiopathic Juvenile Osteoporosis is an uncommon condition that has few case reports in the literature. Reported series indicate that it is a condition classically accompanying vertebral and metaphyseal fractures during the immediate pre-puberty years but that seems to develop naturally during puberty. Current clinical treatment is complicated because of lack of understanding on the origins of Idiopathic Juvenile Osteoporosis.

Presentation of case: The 13-year-old female patient with no former complaints had pain in her left hip while walking 2 years ago. Excluding the secondary osteoporosis reasons, the patient was diagnosed with Idiopathic Juvenile Osteoporosis and after the medical treatment she was followed-up.

Discussion: The patient was subjected to a rehabilitation program for muscle weakness. She had difficulty in walking as a result of prolonged immobilization. At the end of a two-year treatment, significant improvement was achieved in muscle strength in the extremities, walking distance, and posture.

Conclusion: With this report, we would like to raise awareness about a possible association of persistent fractures with this rare metabolic disorder, Idiopathic Juvenile Osteoporosis, which should be included in differential diagnosis of patients with persistent appendicular skeleton fractures.

Keywords: Fracture; Osteoporosis; Treatment.