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Hip fractures can be a life-changing injury, especially for older adults. They not only limit mobility but also significantly increase the risk of complications and mortality. In fact, recent trend analysis shows that over 20% of adults die within one year of breaking their hip.1
One promising treatment to improve outcomes is zoledronic acid, often known by its brand name Reclast. This is an osteoporosis treatment that helps strengthen bones and reduce fracture risk. Let’s explore what the research says, how it works, and whether it may be a good option for you or your loved one.
Studies Show Zoledronic Acid Reduces Mortality Risk After Hip Fracture
Zoledronic acid has been shown to significantly reduce mortality risk after a hip fracture. A pivotal study published in the New England Journal of Medicine demonstrated that patients treated with zoledronic acid had a 28% reduction in death rates compared to those who did not receive the treatment.2 This promising result highlights the potential of zoledronic acid to improve not just bone strength but also overall survival outcomes in patients recovering from hip fractures.
Moreover, the study revealed that zoledronic acid lowered the incidence of new fractures by 35%, making it a valuable tool in preventing recurrent injuries.2 These benefits are particularly important for elderly patients who are more prone to multiple fractures over time.
How Zoledronic Acid Works in Treating Hip Fractures
Zoledronic acid is in a class of medications known as bisphosphonates, which work by inhibiting bone resorption. In other words, it helps slow down the breakdown of bone tissue, increase bone density, and decrease the amount of calcium released from the bones into the blood.3 This is crucial for patients who have suffered a hip fracture, as weakened bones are more susceptible to additional injuries.
When administered as an intravenous infusion for osteoporosis, better known by its brand name Reclast, zoledronic acid binds to minerals found in bones to inhibit osteoclast activity.4 Osteoclasts are the cells responsible for bone breakdown. By inhibiting osteoclast activity, the drug helps bones retain their strength to prevent further fractures.
How Long After Hospitalization Should Zoledronic Acid Be Administered?
New studies show that the timing of zoledronic acid administration after a hip fracture does not impact its clinical effectiveness. One such study, published in the Journal of Clinical Orthopaedics and Trauma, examined 90 elderly patients who underwent surgery for osteoporotic hip fractures. These patients received zoledronic acid at different times: within one week, within one month, and at discharge. Across all groups, patients also received calcium and vitamin D supplementation.
Researchers found no statistically significant differences in how the fractures healed, the rate of complications, or improvements in bone mineral density (BMD) among the three groups. In fact, all patients experienced increases in BMD in both the hip and spine by the one-year follow-up, regardless of when they received the infusion.5
Comparing Zoledronic Acid to Other Osteoporosis Treatments
Zoledronic acid and denosumab are two of the most widely used medications for the treatment of osteoporosis, and both are effective at reducing fracture risk. But how do they compare against each other? Is there a better option?
A large cohort study found that zoledronic acid and denosumab have comparable effectiveness and clinical safety over the course of one year. There were no statistical differences in the risk of osteoporotic fractures, infections, or cardiovascular events.6
A 2024 randomized controlled trial compared zoledronic acid and denosumab in patients with acute osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs) — a high-risk group where recurrence rates are notoriously high. The results showed that both treatments reduced new fracture rates, improved bone mineral density in the lumbar spine and the hip, and had relatively low adverse reactions.7
Patient Eligibility for Zoledronic Acid Treatment
Not everyone with a hip fracture is automatically eligible for zoledronic acid treatment. Talk to your primary care doctor to discuss your bone health and whether a referral for infusion therapy is appropriate. If your provider recommends treatment, we’re here to help guide you to the next step.
Is Zoledronic Acid Right for You? Find Out at IDYLLIC Infusion Treatment Center
Navigating post-hip fracture care can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone. At IDYLLIC Infusion Treatment Center, we’re here to help you understand your options and make informed decisions about your care. Our team of board-certified physicians is committed to providing personalized osteoporosis treatment plans designed to improve your quality of life and keep you active.
Don’t wait to get the care you deserve — schedule an appointment with us today with a referral from your primary care doctor. Let us support you on your journey to recovery and stronger, healthier bones!
1https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6428998/
2https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa074941
3https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a605023.html
4https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2503661/
5https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7368358/
