The efficiency of risedronate in reducing bone resorption after total hip arthroplasty: a meta-analysis of randomized control trials at a minimum of 6 months' follow-up

Anti-osteoporotic drug efficacy for periprosthetic bone loss after total hip arthroplasty: A systematic review and network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Periprosthetic bone loss following total hip arthroplasty (THA) threatens prosthesis stability. This systematic review and network meta-analysis aimed to compare the efficacy of anti-osteoporotic drugs for measures of hip function according to functional outcomes, periprosthetic femoral bone mineral density loss in each Gruen zone, and revision surgery after THA.

METHODS

The systematic search of six literature databases was conducted in December 2021 in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Adult participants who underwent primary THA were included. A random-effects network meta-analysis was performed within a frequentist framework, and the confidence in the evidence for each outcome was evaluated using the CINeMA tool, which assessed the credibility of results from the network meta-analysis. We included 22 randomized controlled trials (1243 participants) comparing the efficacy and safety of bisphosphonates (including etidronate, clodronate, alendronate, risedronate, pamidronate, and zoledronate), denosumab, selective estrogen receptor modulator, teriparatide, calcium + vitamin D, calcium, and vitamin D. We defined the period for revision surgery as the final follow-up period.

RESULTS

Raloxifene, bisphosphonate, calcium + vitamin D, and denosumab for prosthetic hip function might have minimal differences when compared with placebos. The magnitude of the anti-osteoporotic drug effect on periprosthetic femoral bone loss varied across different Gruen zones. Bisphosphonate, denosumab, teriparatide might be more effective than placebo in Gruen zone 1 at 12 months after THA. Additionally, bisphosphonate might be more effective than placebo in Gruen zones 2, 5, 6, and 7 at 12 months after THA. Denosumab was efficacious in preventing bone loss in Gruen zones 6 and 7 at 12 months after THA. Teriparatide was likely to be efficacious in preventing bone loss in Gruen zone 7 at 12 months after THA. Raloxifene was slightly efficacious in preventing bone loss in Gruen zones 2 and 3 at 12 months after THA. Calcium was slightly efficacious in preventing bone loss in Gruen zone 5 at 12 months after THA. None of the studies reported revision surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Bisphosphonate and denosumab may be effective anti-osteoporotic drugs for preventing periprosthetic proximal femoral bone loss due to stress shielding after THA, particularly in cementless proximal fixation stems, which are the most commonly used prostheses worldwide.

Osteoclast and Sclerostin Expression in Osteocytes in the Femoral Head with Risedronate Therapy in Patients with Hip Fractures: A Retrospective Comparative Study

Background and Objectives: The majority of research on the effects of osteoporosis drugs has measured the bone mineral density (BMD) of the spine and femur through dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and compared and analyzed the effects of the drugs through changes in the BMD values. This study aims to compare osteoclast and sclerostin expression in osteocytes after risedronate therapy by obtaining femoral heads from patients with hip fractures. Materials and Methods: We obtained the femoral heads of 10 female patients (age: ≥65 years) who received risedronate therapy for at least 1 year through hip arthroplasty during 2019−2021 (risedronate group). Meanwhile, 10 patients who had never received osteoporosis treatment were selected as controls using propensity scores with age, body mass index, and bone density as covariates (control group). While the osteoclast count was evaluated using tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining, the sclerostin expression in osteocytes was assessed using immunohistochemistry. Moreover, Western blotting and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were performed for receptor activation of nuclear factor kappa-Β ligand (RANKL), RANK, osteoprotegerin (OPG), sclerostin, and bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP2). Results: TRAP staining revealed significantly more TRAP-positive cells in the control group (131.75 ± 27.16/mm2) than in the risedronate group (28.00 ± 8.12/mm2). Moreover, sclerostin-positive osteocytes were expressed more in the control group (364.12 ± 28.12/mm2) than in the risedronate group (106.93 ± 12.85/mm2). Western blotting revealed that the expressions of RANKL, RANK, sclerostin, and BMP2 were higher in the control group than in the risedronate group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, RANK, sclerostin, and OPG protein levels were higher in the control group than in the risedronate group. Conclusions: In this study, the risedronate group demonstrated lower osteoclast activity and sclerostin expression in osteocytes in the femoral head than the control group.

Bisphosphonates in Total Joint Arthroplasty: A Review of Their Use and Complications

Background

Considerable interest has been expressed in the use of bisphosphonates to treat periprosthetic osteoporosis with the clinical goals of reducing periprosthetic fractures and prolonging implant survival.

Methods

A systematic review was performed with the goal of identifying both basic science and clinical studies related to the risks and benefits of bisphosphonate use in total joint arthroplasty.

Results

Studies have shown that bisphosphonates may increase early bony ingrowth, decrease the postoperative loss of bone mineral density, and increase the longevity of implants by reducing the need for revisions secondary to aseptic loosening. Continuing bisphosphonates for 1 year postoperatively seems to provide the greatest benefit, with only marginal benefit being shown by continuing therapy for up to 2 years. Current data present some concerns for an increased risk of periprosthetic fractures especially in younger patients, and prolonged therapy is not recommended due to the potential risk of atypical femur fractures. Patients should be counseled regarding the risk of side effects of bisphosphonates, including the risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw, which is a rare but serious side effect. They should also be counseled on the risk of atypical femur fractures and gastrointestinal intolerance.

Conclusions

Orthopedic surgeons could consider bisphosphonates for up to 1 year postoperatively regardless of the patient’s prior bone mineral density, after discussion regarding the risks and benefits with the patient.

Total hip arthroplasty in patients with osteoporosis

There is a high prevalence of osteoporosis in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty. There are several clinically relevant questions related to the management of such cases: the effect of ageing; the initial osseointegration of implants, especially when cementless THA is used; the effect of medical osteoporosis treatment on bone-implant interface; the incidence of intraoperative and late periprosthetic fractures, and the long-term survival of both cemented and cementless total hip arthroplasty performed for proximal femoral fractures and hip osteoarthritis. A critical review of the literature is presented in an attempt to draw practical conclusions.