Do bisphosphonates affect fusion rates? How to manage these medications in the perioperative time frame

Publication date: March 2018

Source: Seminars in Spine Surgery, Volume 30, Issue 1

Author(s): Emmanuel N. Menga, Antonio J. Webb, Addisu Mesfin

Abstract

Various treatment options are available for the management of patients with osteoporosis including bisphosphonates. While bisphosphonates have demonstrated effectiveness at reducing the risk of vertebral osteoporotic fractures, their mechanisms of action may render them contraindicated in the setting of spinal arthrodesis. Research studies reporting on the effects of bisphosphonate osteoporotic medications on spinal fusion remain limited, inconsistent and controversial with no clear guidelines. Future randomized and multi-center studies are needed that further examine the questions of bisphosphonates and spinal fusion.

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