Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 22, 2026
08:41
Calvarial Model of Bone Augmentation in Rabbit for Assessment of Bone Growth and Neovascularization in Bone Substitution Materials
Published on: August 13, 2019
8.9K
Bone union after spinal fusion surgery using local bone in long-term bisphosphonate users: a prospective comparative
Taewook Kang1, Si Young Park2, Seok Ha Hong1
1Department of Orthopaedics, Korea University College of Medicine, Anam Hospital, Inchonro 73, Seongbukgu, Seoul, 02841, South Korea.
Archives of Osteoporosis
|July 1, 2019
Summary
Long-term bisphosphonate use may delay spinal fusion initially, but does not significantly impact the final fusion rate after posterior lumbar interbody fusion surgery. Patients on bisphosphonates achieve comparable fusion rates and clinical outcomes to non-users at two years.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics and Spine Surgery
- Pharmacology and Bone Metabolism
Background:
- Bisphosphonates (BPs) are primary treatments for postmenopausal osteoporosis.
- Long-term bisphosphonate use may potentially impede spinal fusion after surgery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare bone fusion rates in long-term bisphosphonate users versus non-users following posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF).
Main Methods:
- 97 postmenopausal women undergoing single-level PLIF were divided into long-term BPs users (63) and non-users (34).
- Bone fusion rates were assessed at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years post-surgery.
- Clinical outcomes measured via Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS).
Main Results:
- Initial fusion rates at 6 months were lower in BPs users (26%) compared to non-users (42%).
- By 2 years, fusion rates were comparable: 82% in BPs users versus 87% in non-users.
- No significant differences in ODI or VAS scores were observed between groups at 2 years.
Conclusions:
- Delayed union was observed at 6 months in long-term bisphosphonate users.
- However, no significant difference in overall bone fusion rate was found at 2 years post-PLIF.
- Spinal fusion surgery is not contraindicated in long-term bisphosphonate users, as outcomes are comparable.
Related Concept Videos
01:09Spongy Bone
7.6K
All bones comprise an outer layer of compact bone, and an interior made up of spongy bone tissue, also called cancellous or trabecular bone. In long bones, spongy bone tissue is mainly found in the interior of the epiphyses (broad ends of the bone).
Spongy bone is more porous, and less dense compared to compact bone. It is composed of concentric lamellae that are arranged irregularly to form the trabecular network. In some bones, the spaces between trabeculae contain red marrow, where...
Spongy bone is more porous, and less dense compared to compact bone. It is composed of concentric lamellae that are arranged irregularly to form the trabecular network. In some bones, the spaces between trabeculae contain red marrow, where...
7.6K
01:27Compact Bone
16.2K
Most bones contain compact and spongy osseous tissue, but their distribution and concentration vary based on the bone's overall function.
Compact bone, also called cortical bone, is the denser, stronger of the two types of bone tissue. It is found under the periosteum and in the diaphyses of long bones, where it provides support and protection. The microscopic structural unit of compact bone is called an osteon, or haversian system. Each osteon is composed of concentric rings of calcified...
Compact bone, also called cortical bone, is the denser, stronger of the two types of bone tissue. It is found under the periosteum and in the diaphyses of long bones, where it provides support and protection. The microscopic structural unit of compact bone is called an osteon, or haversian system. Each osteon is composed of concentric rings of calcified...
16.2K
01:29Bone Disorders
5.1K
Aging and its effect on bone remodeling is the most common cause of bone disorders. In young and healthy people, bone deposition and resorption happen at an equal rate to maintain optimal bone health.
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
5.1K
01:12The Hyoid Bone
4.8K
The hyoid bone is a small U-shaped bone located in the upper neck at the level of the inferior mandible, with its tips pointing posteriorly. It does not directly articulate with any other bone in the body. The hyoid acts as the attachment site for the tongue, the larynx, and the pharynx. It is held in position by a series of small muscles attached from above or below. These muscles help to move the hyoid up/down or forward/back in coordination with movements of the tongue, larynx, and pharynx...
4.8K
01:55Bone Structure
51.6K
Within the skeletal system, the structure of a bone, or osseous tissue, can be exemplified in a long bone, like the femur, where there are two types of osseous tissue: cortical and cancellous.
51.6K
01:40Bone Remodeling
40.3K
Bone remodeling is a continuous and balanced process of bone resorption by osteoclasts and bone formation by osteoblasts. In adults, it helps maintain bone mass and calcium homeostasis. While mechanical stress can stimulate turnover as part of the normal maintenance and reparative process, several hormones also regulate bone remodeling.
40.3K