The analysis of alendronate action in bone fracture healing in rats

Osteoporosis is defined as a systemic skeletal disease characterized by reduced bone mass and degeneration of bone tissue microarchitecture which leads to bone fragility and fracture risk. Annually, 100 to 200 million people around the world are at risk for osteoporotic fractures. One way to prevent osteoporosis fracture is by using medications such as bisphosphonates. Alendronate is the most prescribed bisphosphonate in the world. The objective of this article is to evaluate the effect of alendronate on bone fracture healing.

15 adult male rats that were 60 days old were used, divided into three groups: A or Control, B (non-osteoporotic bones plus alendronate application) and C (osteoporotic bones plus alendronate application). Osteoporotic bones were compared with non-osteoporotic bones that underwent bone window creation and administration of alendronate sodium. These bones were submitted to radiographic and histological analysis.

All of Group A had complete bone healing, reaching the phase of bone remodeling. While in groups B and C, the rats were in the repair phase.

The drug alendronate interferes with delayed fracture healing and delayed bone remodeling. The article advises that studies in humans are needed in order to assess whether the alendronate interferes with bone healing.