Bilateral fatigue fractures of the bones of both crura in a patient with a history of abuse of alcohol and psychoactive substances treated with Ilizarov external fixator apparatus.

BACKGROUND: Fatigue (slow) fractures are a result of cyclic burden on the affected bones. At the same time, regeneration processes are disturbed or appropriate mechanical environment to promote healing is lacking. Fatigue fractures are classified into two types: stress fractures and deficiency fractures. The former occur as a result of excessive training in healthy individuals with normal bone structure, e.g. in sportsmen and soldiers. Deficiency-related fractures are most common in individuals with metabolic disorders that affect bone mineralization, such as osteomalacia or osteoporosis.

CASE REPORT: The article presents a case of a 37-year-old male with fatigue fractures within both crura. During the interview, the patient reported the abuse of alcohol and benzodiazepines and the history of using other psychoactive substances.

CONCLUSIONS: Fractures were treated using Ilizarov external fixator apparatus. Bone union was achieved after several months of external fixation.