Recent data have correlated drugs like Fosamax (alendronate) and Actonel (risedronate) with what are called atypical fractures of the femur (unusual fractures of the upper leg). However, a recent Australian study helped clarify that even if the association between the use of these drugs and this type of fracture is strong, the occurrence is relatively rare and that these drugs prevent more fractures than they are associated with causing.
The study was a 5-year retrospective analysis and included 152 people who were admitted to an Australian hospital for femoral fractures (upper leg or femur) between June of 2003 and May of 2008. Of the 20 patients who had atypical fractures (uncommon or unusual fractures), 17 were using bisphosphonates and only 3 of the 132 who had non-atypical fractures were taking the drugs, showing a strong correlation between the drugs and this type of fracture. To put it into perspective for older adults, for those over 65 years old, the incidence of this type of fracture is 1.66 per 10,000 people. In the general population, the incidence was 0.23 showing a stronger correlation in those who were over 65 years old, yet still a very low incidence.
People with poor bone health and their practitioners should take into account various factors of the individual such as their risk of fracture, age, time to benefit from the drug, contraindications and desires of the person. We should not all react the same way to an article about a drug, good news or bad.
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