Left Pubic Symphysis Fracture With Undiagnosed Ipsilateral Femoral Neck Fracture in an Elderly Female With Osteoporosis: A Case Report

Femoral neck fractures are a common complication of falls, particularly in the osteoporotic elderly female population. This case highlights the significance of properly radiologically evaluating elderly patients with falls. A 68-year-old White female with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation on anticoagulation, nicotine use disorder, chronic hyponatremia, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia presented to the emergency department (ED) in considerable pain four days after a previously diagnosed left pubic symphysis fracture. Repeat imaging (X-ray and computed tomography (CT)) was significant for a left femoral neck fracture concurrent with the aforementioned pelvic fracture. Within 48 hours of admission, the patient underwent a hemiarthroplasty of the left hip. The postoperative course was unremarkable, except for immensely decreased pain and a remarkable ability to ambulate, and on postoperative day three, the patient was discharged. In patients with an overall high risk of hip fracture, CT imaging should be considered after X-ray in an effort to eliminate the frequency of undiagnosed fractures. It is essential to thoroughly evaluate the entire film, even after one fracture is found. This is crucial to a patient's overall well-being and can contribute to many unwanted phenomena.