According to an article in the latest issue of the Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma a study links bisphosphonates to risks in a type of fracture after long-term use. Bisphosphonates such as Fosamax, Boniva and the generic alendronate are used to treat osteoporosis by increasing bone density in order to prevent fractures. The findings were reported by Dr. Dean G. Lorich and Dr. Joseph M. Lane of New York Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center. “While bisphosphonates like Fosamax have been proven to successfully treat osteoporosis and other metabolic bone disease, we believe long-term use of these drugs may suppress the ability of bones to heal in some patients. As a consequence, patients with routine stress fractures are unable to properly heal, and minor damage can worsen until a serious fracture occurs,” said Dr. Lorich, the study's senior author. In the study 70 patients were followed of which 25 were taking Fosamax for an average of five years. Among those, 19 patients or 76 percent suffered a femoral stress fracture. While this type of fracture results in little or no trauma the study calls into question the efficacy of the family of bisphosphonate drugs. Dr. Lane suggests, “While more research is necessary to confirm our results, physicians prescribing bisphosphonates for longer durations should monitor patients for indications of bone regeneration. In situations where a blood test reveals low bone turnover, a holiday from the bisphosphonates would be recommended until these markers return to an acceptable level.”