Zoledronic acid improves the mechanical properties of normal and healing bone.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effects of the bisphosphonate zoledronic acid on the mechanical properties of normal and regenerating bone in a rabbit model of distraction osteogenesis.


BACKGROUND
Bisphosphonate therapy is used for treating osteoporosis and, more recently, to enhance bone healing and reduce stress-shielding osteoporosis in distraction osteogenesis.


METHODS
Thirty eight rabbits underwent 14 days of distraction osteogenesis on the right rear limb. They received either zero, one or two doses of intravenous zoledronic acid. Four point bending tests were performed to collect mechanical data.


RESULTS
The peak load capacity of the regenerating bone was significantly increased by bisphosphonate therapy, but a similar trend in normal bone was not significant. The energy absorbed to failure did not vary significantly in either group.


CONCLUSIONS
These data suggest that bisphosphonate therapy has a beneficial effect on the load capacity of regenerating bone, without increasing the brittleness of either new or existing bone.


CONCLUSIONS
Zoledronic acid administration may be a potentially valuable adjunct to distraction osteogenesis treatment, to enhance bone strength, thus reducing refracture complications.
Bilston
L E
LE
Prince of Wales Medical Research Institute, University of New South Wales, Barker Street, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia. l.bilston@unsw.edu.au
Little
D G
DG
Smith
N C
NC
Williams
P
P
Briody
J
J
D000818:Animals; D001861:Bone Regeneration / Q000187:drug effects*; D019245:Compressive Strength; D004164:Diphosphonates / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004548:Elasticity; D007093:Imidazoles / Q000494:pharmacology*; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D023421:Models, Animal; D019857:Osteogenesis, Distraction; D011817:Rabbits; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D013977:Tibia / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery; D016474:Weight-Bearing; D000077211:Zoledronic Acid
D004164:Diphosphonates; D007093:Imidazoles; D000077211:Zoledronic Acid