Metaphyseal impaction fractures in acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Patients with acute lymphatic leukaemia frequently are osteoporotic. A small subset of these develop disabling metaphyseal transverse fractures, usually bilateral and in the lower limb. These impaction fractures have a characteristic appearance and develop in recently laid down bone. They may develop ab initio or during therapy. Magnesium deficiency is found in these patients.