An atypical femoral fracture is a type of fracture that occurs in the femur (thigh bone) and is characterized by certain distinct features. Unlike typical femoral fractures, which often result from high-impact trauma such as falls or accidents, atypical femoral fractures are associated with long-term use of certain medications, particularly bisphosphonates, which are commonly prescribed to treat osteoporosis.
These fractures typically occur in the shaft (mid-portion) of the femur and are classified as stress or insufficiency fractures, meaning they result from repetitive stress or weakened bone rather than a single traumatic event.
Patients may experience symptoms such as prodromal thigh or groin pain before the fracture occurs, and sometimes the fracture may initially present as an incomplete fracture before progressing to a complete fracture.
Our Research
UHN is currently engaged in a research investigation titled “Personalizing Osteoporosis Care: Clinical and Genetic Risk Factors Study for AFFs.” This nationwide study aims to explore the correlation between the administration of bone medications and genetic predisposition concerning the likelihood of experiencing an AFF.
Our focus lies in determining whether clinical or genetic variables play a role in influencing the advantages or drawbacks of bone medications, including potential adverse effects such as Atypical Femur Fractures (AFFs), a severe fracture type that remains not well understood.
Study Description
Anti-resorptive therapy (ART) medications are highly effective in treating osteoporosis and reducing the occurrence of fractures associated with the condition. However, their prolonged usage has been linked to rare yet severe atypical femur fractures (AFFs). Concerns regarding these adverse effects have led to a significant decrease in the utilization of these beneficial medications, consequently resulting in escalating fracture rates.
In this study, the researchers propose to conduct a comparative analysis involving 330 AFF cases and 660 matched controls. The aim is to investigate both the similarities and disparities in (1) clinical characteristics, such as the type and duration of ART usage, history of prior fractures, bone density, femur structure, etc., and (2) genetic variations.
Subsequently, the study intends to validate the most significant genetic variants identified by assessing their presence in an additional cohort of 100 AFF patients and comparing them with 100 control subjects. Through this comprehensive examination, the study seeks to identify both clinical and genetic risk factors associated with these debilitating atypical fractures. This understanding will enable tailored treatment approaches for at-risk individuals in order to mitigate the occurrence of such fractures in the future.
For more information visit https://www.affcare.org
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