Spontaneous femoral neck fracture associated with a low serum level of vitamin D

Vitamin D deficiency causes osteomalacia and has a mineralization defect. Osteomalacia is characterized by accumulation of increased amounts of unmineralized osteoid and a decrease in the rate of bone formation. Osteomalacia often causes insufficiency fracture, and the detection of osteomalacia is important since it may influence subsequent management of the fracture. We present the case of a young adult woman with a femoral neck fracture that occurred secondary to vitamin D deficiency caused by an extremely unbalanced diet. The purpose of this report is to caution that femoral neck fracture in young adults should be investigated for underlying pathology. Written informed consent was obtained from the patient for publication of this case report and accompanying images.