Systematic Review

Extended Bisphosphonate Use: Bone Benefits and Fracture Risks

A systematic review of 11 studies found that extending oral bisphosphonate therapy beyond five years in postmenopausal women increased bone mineral density at the hip and lumbar spine and reduced vertebral fracture risk, but also raised the risk of atypical femoral fractures. These nuanced findings underscore the need for individualized risk-benefit assessment when managing bone protection in early postmenopause.