Alendronate does not inhibit early bone apposition to hydroxyapatite-coated total joint implants: a preliminary study.

Abstract

Alendronate is a pyrophosphate analogue of bisphosphonate that has been shown to inhibit osteoclastic bone resorption. Bone formation and remodeling are necessary to establish initial fixation of uncemented implants, especially those coated with a bioactive surface such as hydroxyapatite. Because the process of bone-remodeling that culminates in new-bone formation is thought to be initiated by osteoclastic bone resorption, it is appropriate to test the influence of osteoclast-inhibiting medications on bone apposition to hydroxyapatite-coated implants.