[Bisphosphonates in the prevention of vertebral and non-vertebral fractures in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis].

Bisphosphonates (risedronate and alendronate) inhibit bone resorption, increase bone mass and reduce the risk of vertebral and nonvertebral fractures in postmenopausal women as has been shown in a number of clinical trials. The concept of bone quality has recently been actualized with evidence that antiresorptive drugs reduce the occurrence of fractures to a greater extent than would be predicted by the amount of the increase in bone density. Concern about possible negative effect on fracture resistance with prolonged treatment with bisphosphonates has no evidence from clinical studies. Both preclinical and clinical studies, histologically and biomechanically performed, have revealed normal quality of bone formed during treatment with bisphosphonates.