The effects of high-dose, long-term alendronate treatment on microarchitecture and bone mineral density of compact and trabecular bone in the proximal femur of adult male rabbits

Introduction Despite the widespread use of bisphosphonates, its effects on normal bone microarchitecture of the proximal femur are still poorly studied. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of long-term high-dose treatment of alendronate on microstructure and bone mineral density of cancellous, cortical compact and subchondral compact bone of the femoral head and neck region in normal adult male rabbits. Materials and methods Thirty-two adult, male rabbits were randomized into and were treated with either alendronate or placebo for 6 and 12 months. Micro-QCT measurements were taken in the (1) trabecular region, (2) cortical region of the femoral neck and (3) the subchondral region of the femoral head. Results In the trabecular region of the femoral head, alendronate treatment significantly increased vBMD at 6 and 12 months (+21.0%, p