Improvement of pain and regional osteoporotic changes in the foot and ankle by low-dose bisphosphonate therapy for complex regional pain syndrome type I: a case series
2011

Low-Dose Bisphosphonate Therapy for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Sample size: 2 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Abe Yasuhisa, Iba Kousuke, Takada Junichi, Wada Takuro, Yamashita Toshihiko

Primary Institution: Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine

Hypothesis

Can low-dose bisphosphonate therapy improve pain and osteoporotic changes in patients with complex regional pain syndrome type I?

Conclusion

Low-dose oral bisphosphonate therapy significantly improved pain and regional osteoporotic changes in two patients with complex regional pain syndrome type I.

Supporting Evidence

  • Both patients experienced significant pain reduction after starting bisphosphonate therapy.
  • Radiographic findings showed improvement in osteoporotic changes after treatment.
  • The effects of treatment lasted for over 30 months without further medication.

Takeaway

Two men with severe foot and ankle pain got better after taking a low dose of medicine that helps bones, showing that it can help with their pain.

Methodology

The study involved two case reports where patients were treated with low-dose bisphosphonates and followed for over 30 months.

Limitations

The improvement could be due to spontaneous recovery rather than the treatment.

Participant Demographics

Both participants were 48-year-old Japanese men.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1752-1947-5-349

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