[Effects of bisphosphonate for quality and strength of bone]

Bisphosphonate prevents the fracture by controlling the function of osteoclasts and inhibiting bone absorption powerfully for osteoporosis. It is shown clinically that both alendronate and risedronate reduce postmenopausal osteoporosis patient's vertebral and nonvertebral fractures. Recently it became clear that bisphosphonate not only reduces bone absorption, but also improves bone quality such as bone microarchitecture and material properties. Furthermore, we showed using finite element analysis that internal use of bisphosphonate reduces strain of the cancellous bone inside vertebral body within one year, and notably decreases the region of high strain which is easy to break. Internal use of bisphosphonate improves the bone density distribution inside vertebral body, and strengthens the structure of load support of the spine. The structural improvement of spine leads to prevention of fracture.