Early tissue responses to zoledronate, locally delivered by bone screw, into a compromised cancellous bone site: a pilot study.

Background: In fracture treatment, adequate fixation of implants is crucial to long-term clinical performance. Bisphosphonates (BP), potent inhibitors of osteoclastic bone resorption, are known to increase peri-implant bone mass and accelerate primary fixation. However, adverse effects are associated with systemic use of BPs.

In vivo assessment of local effects after application of bone screws delivering bisphosphonates into a compromised cancellous bone site.

Background: The primary stability of cancellous screw is difficult to obtain in bone of compromised quality and failure of screw fixation is common. To overcome this problem, it is proposed to locally deliver bisphosphonate from the screw. An in vivo validation of the increase in fixation of the cancellous screw is then needed in compromised bone.