Review of Bisphosphonates and Atypical femoral fractures Save

The Journal For Nurse Practitioners provides a succinct overview of atypical femoral fractures and bisphosphonates.   These popular agents account for 14 million prescriptions annually in the United States. Although proven to increase bone mineral density and reduced vertebral and nonvertebral fractures in osteoporosis patients, cohort studies have shown rare and unusual atypical midshaft femoral fractures in those receiving chronic bisphosphonate therapy.  This article reviews the epidemiology, pharmacology, definitions, physiology, and pathogenesis underlying these fractures. [Image credit: New York Times, March 6, 2011 http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/08/health/08brody-bone.html?_r=1]