The effect of alendronate (Fosamax (TM)) and implant surface on bone integration and remodeling in a canine model

Patients at high risk for osteoporosis and its associated morbidity, includ ing postmenopausal women, are being pharmacologically managed to stabilize and improve bone mass. Alendronate sodium (Fosamax (TM)) is a commonly used antiresorptive agent effective in osteopenic women for reducing bone resor ption, increasing bone density, and decreasing fracture incidence. With the increased incidence of alendronate-treated women who are undergoing hip re placement or fracture repair by prosthesis placement, data are needed to pr edict how alendronate affects host bone integration with uncemented surface s. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of alendronate on new bone formation and attachment to implant surfaces in a normal and simulated estrogen-deficient, calcium-deficient canine model, using an implantable b one growth chamber. Alendronate did not affect host bone Integration to sur faces commonly used in uncemented total joint arthroplasty, but there were significant differences dependent solely on the type of surface. (C) 2001 J ohn Wiley & Sons, Inc.