Spontaneous fractures involving both of the femoral necks simultaneously are exceedingly rare events. We report a case of
an elderly female who presented after breaking both femoral necks following a trivial fall, initially diagnosed as age-related
osteoporosis. Both the hips were treated by hemiarthroplasty. The diagnosis was revised to vitamin D-resistant osteomalacia
secondary to hypomagnesemia after histopathological confirmation and further investigations. We examine the different etiological
factors and mechanisms operating in the causation of this rare injury and explore the possible role of magnesium in the pathogenesis
of osteomalacia. Fractures may remain occult until late, leading to increased morbidity and mortality. The value of an early
MRI is recapitulated, with emphasis placed on prevention and early fixation.
Key Words
Simultaneous - Spontaneous - Bilateral - Femoral neck - Fractures - Osteomalacia - Hypomagnesemia