The influence of alendronate on bone formation and resorption in a rat ectopic bone development model.

Background: Most bone grafting techniques that include bone marrow, alloplastic materials, and extracellular bone matrix produce new bone mass, filling bone defects unpredictably. In most cases, the new bone undergoes resorption due to low local strains, resulting in significant bone loss. Recently, it was shown that alendronate and other bisphosphonates reduce bone loss when administered systemically or locally.