Bisphosphonates in Orthopedics: Evidence-based Review of Indications and Adverse Effects

Abstract

ABSTRACT Bisphosphonates (BPs) are clinically the most important class of antiresorptive agents available to treat diseases characterized by osteoclast-mediated bone resorption. These agents have a potent effect on the skeleton and are in common use for treatment of osteoporosis, Paget's disease, and metastatic bone disease in adults as well as in the treatment of pediatric disorders, such as osteogenesis imperfecta, Perthes’ disease, and fibrous dysplasia. Although initial investigations had demonstrated an acceptable safety profile of bisphosphonate drugs, but recently this has been questioned by some authors. In this article, we review the chemistry, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of these agents in brief and the orthopedic applications as well as adverse effects in detail. How to cite this article Aggarwal S, Gahlot N, Saini UC, Dhillon MS. Bisphosphonates in Orthopedics: Evidencebased Review of Indications and Adverse Effects. J Postgrad Med Edu Res 2016;50(2):75-85.