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The osteoporosis drug Fosamax® (alendronate) and/or estrogen may protect the knee joint from the ravages of osteoarthritis, according to a study reported in the November issue of the journal Arthritis & Rheumatism.
Osteoarthritis of the knee is a leading cause of disability among elderly people in the United States. Although drugs commonly prescribed for the disease work to ease joint pain and stiffness, they do not provide a cure. Consequently, a substantial number of people affected ultimately undergo total knee replacement surgery.
The study focused on 818 elderly women whose average age was 75. Women taking either Fosamax or estrogen had significantly fewer bone abnormalities associated with severe knee osteoarthritis than those not taking these medications. In addition, women using Fosamaxexperienced less knee pain than nonusers.
However, researchers found no association of either Fosamax or estrogen use with changes in cartilage detected by MRI or radiographic changes of OA of the knee.
"Our study suggests that alendronate and estrogen may protect against the development of bone abnormalities associated with knee osteoarthritis, which may have a beneficial effect on the overall course of the disease," said lead researcher Dr. Laura Carbone, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center
Carbone said further studies are needed to evaluate the potential of using Fosamax, estrogen and other bone antiresorptive agents for the prevention or treatment of knee osteoarthritis.
Source:
Medical Week Staff, week
of November 6, 2004
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