Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To determine whether two adults with stress fractures receiving low weekly doses of methotrexate had methotrexate osteopathy. CASE REPORTS: Two adult patients developed features consistent with methotrexate osteopathy while receiving low weekly doses of methotrexate. METHODS: Iliac crest biopsy samples were taken and bone histomorphometry carried out. RESULTS: Symptoms resolved when the methotrexate was discontinued. Bone histology showed changes consistent with osteoblast inhibition by methotrexate. CONCLUSIONS: When given in low doses for prolonged periods, methotrexate may have adverse effects on bone, particularly in post-menopausal women.