Longstanding Nonunion of Metatarsal Fractures in an Adult Patient with Autosomal Dominant Osteopetrosis: A Case Report.

CASE: Osteopetrosis is a genetic condition that impairs bone turnover as the result of defects in osteoclast function and abnormal ossification of bone. Autosomal dominant osteopetrosis is often mild; however, the impaired fracture healing, increased density, and hardness of osteopetrotic bone present technical challenges for surgeons leading to complications with both nonoperative and operative treatment modalities. In this case report, we describe a patient treated empirically with ultrasonic bone stimulation for nonunion of fractures of multiple metatarsals after a failure of conventional therapy.

CONCLUSION

Ultrasonic bone stimulation may have a role in optimizing nonoperative management of osteopetrosis-related fractures in adults.