Supracondylar femur fracture complicating epileptic insult: a specific and under diagnosed complication?

PURPOSE In epileptic patients fractures are six times more frequent than in the general population. Known predisposing factors are anticonvulsant drugs, malnutrition, lack of physical activity and sunlight exposure. METHODS In this study we describe two patients, one with a bilateral supracondylar fracture and one with a unilateral supracondylar fracture after an epileptic seizure. The literature concerning femur fracture following an epileptic insult is reviewed. RESULTS A review of the literature revealed several cases of femur fractures associated with epilepsy, however no cases were found involving a supracondylar femur. CONCLUSIONS Our hypothesis is that a tonic seizure with simultaneous contraction of both agonists and antagonists can cause this type of fracture in predisposing patients.