Recent Advances in Understanding Bisphosphonate Effects on Bone Mechanical Properties

Abstract

Purpose of the Review Bisphosphonates have well-established effects on suppressing bone resorption and slowing bone loss, yet the effects on bone mechanical properties are less clear. We review recent data from pre-clinical and clinical experiments that assessed mechanical properties of bisphosphonate-treated specimens.

Recent Findings Pre-clinical work has utilized new techniques to show reduced fatigue life and transfer of stress from the mineral to collagen. Several notable studies have examined mechanical properties of tissue from patients treated with bisphosphonates with mixed results. Pre-clinical data suggest effects on mechanics may be independent of remodeling suppression.

Summary The direct effect of bisphosphonates on bone mechanics remains unclear but recent work has set a solid foundation for the coming years.