Bisphosphonates and Atypical Fractures of Femur
Author Information
Author(s): Tero Yli-Kyyny
Primary Institution: Kuopio University Hospital
Hypothesis
Does long-term bisphosphonate therapy increase the risk of atypical femoral fractures?
Conclusion
Atypical femoral fractures seem to occur rarely without long-term bisphosphonate treatment for osteoporosis.
Supporting Evidence
- Bisphosphonates are widely used for osteoporosis treatment and reduce vertebral and hip fractures.
- Long-term bisphosphonate therapy may lead to brittle bones due to suppressed bone turnover.
- Case reports suggest a link between long-term bisphosphonate use and atypical femoral fractures.
Takeaway
Taking certain osteoporosis medicines for a long time might make your bones more fragile and lead to unusual fractures in your thigh.
Methodology
Review of published case reports and series regarding atypical femoral fractures in patients on bisphosphonate therapy.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the reliance on published case reports and series.
Limitations
The evidence for osteoporosis treatment with bisphosphonates for more than five years is limited.
Participant Demographics
Patients on long-term bisphosphonate therapy, primarily postmenopausal women.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
0.3–2
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website