Atypical Fractures of the Femoral Diaphysis in Postmenopausal Women Taking Alendronate
Given that bone is a dynamic tissue, constantly re-typical areasmodeling based upon demands placed upon it, the idea of locking up this turnover with osteoclast inhibitors like alendronate (Fosamax) has never sounded like a good idea to me. While we’ve seen some reduction in spinal and hip fractures w/ the use of anti-resorptive agents, no one has actually looked elsewhere at what this class of drugs may do to bone in other regions of the body.
Sure enough, when we look, we find increased risk of fractures in other, non-typical locations. The bottom line is that the only true way to prevent fractures is a comprehensive, lifestyle and fall prevention approach.