EARLY RECURRENCE OF FRACTURE IN AN ELDERLY PATIENT AFTER AN INITIAL FALL: A CASE REPORT

Abstract

Objective: To report a case of early recurrence involving a contralateral femur fracture in an oldest-old patient and to discuss therapeutic and preventive approaches. Method: This is a retrospective case report of a 94-year-old patient who sustained a left distal femur fracture following a fall from standing height, treated via osteosynthesis with a condylar plate. After eight months of rehabilitation, the patient suffered another fall, resulting in a right proximal femur fracture, which was treated with bipolar hemiarthroplasty. Case Report: Clinical progress was satisfactory, with early discharge following both events; however, the patient developed functional limitations and a fear of falling (post-fall syndrome). The results demonstrate that, although surgical interventions were effective for stabilization, the persistence of intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors led to a recurrent fracture. Conclusion: Management of the elderly patient with a fracture must go beyond surgical excellence, requiring a vigorous multidisciplinary approach to secondary prevention, osteoporosis treatment, and environmental modification to break the cycle of fractures and preserve autonomy.