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Abstract

The greatest predictor for future fragility fractures is prior fracture. Due to the high morbidity and mortality of these subsequent fractures, as well as the substantial hospital and social cost, it is imperative to start patients on osteoporosis medications as soon as possible after fracture. But which medications are safe to start and when can they be started? We review the current literature surrounding osteoporosis medications and their effect on fracture healing in the osteoporotic patient.

None of the medications reviewed in this chapter were shown to delay fracture healing of fractures, with the exception of a potential delay in the healing of stress fractures with antiresorptive agents. The anabolic medications, including PTH and anti-sclerostin antibody, show some evidence supporting their role in potential acceleration of fracture healing. With a few noted exceptions explained in this chapter, we feel that it is safe to start anti-osteoporosis medications for patients as soon as possible after fracture. There are currently some new and exciting medications in trial for the treatment of osteoporosis that need further study on their effects on fracture healing. The current literature on these new therapies is also reviewed in this chapter.

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Notes

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    *Important References

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Correspondence to Susan V. Bukata MD .

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Kupperman, E., Bukata, S.V. (2016). Fractures and Healing on Antiresorptive Therapy. In: Silverman, S., Abrahamsen, B. (eds) The Duration and Safety of Osteoporosis Treatment. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-23639-1_18

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-23639-1_18

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