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Despite the efficacy and wide use of weekly or monthly oral bisphosphonates to prevent fractures associated with postmenopausal osteoporosis, adherence at 1 year is only about 50%. Previously, a single intravenous infusion of the bisphosphonate zoledronic acid was shown to increase BMD for the duration of a 12-month study (Journal Watch Women’s Health May 8 2002). Now, investigators have assessed the effect of once-yearly zoledronic-acid infusion on fracture risk in a 3-year, industry-funded, placebo-controlled trial that included more than 7500 women (age range, 65–89) with osteoporosis. Patients received IV infusions at baseline, 12 months, and 24 months and were monitored at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months.
The incidence of vertebral fracture wa…