Radiological Factors Associated with Bisphosphonate Treatment Failure and Their Impact on Fracture Healing in Postmenopausal Women with Osteoporotic Vertebral Fractures

(1) Background: Bisphosphonate treatment failure is one of the most difficult clinical problems for patients with osteoporosis. This study aimed to analyze the incidence of bisphosphonate treatment failure, associated radiological factors, and effect of fracture healing in postmenopausal women with osteoporotic vertebral fractures (OVFs). (2) Methods: A total of 300 postmenopausal patients with OVFs who were prescribed bisphosphonate were retrospectively analyzed and divided into two groups according to the treatment response: response (n = 116) and non-response (n = 184) groups. The radiological factors and the morphological patterns of OVFs were included in this study. (3) Results: The initial BMD values of the spine and femur in the non-response group were significantly lower than those in the response group (all Ps < 0.001). The initial BMD value of the spine (odd ratio = 1.962) and the fracture risk assessment tool (FRAX) hip (odd ratio = 1.32) showed statistical significance in logistic regression analysis, respectively (all Ps < 0.001). (4) Conclusions: The bisphosphonate non-responder group showed a greater decrease in BMD over time than the responder group. The initial BMD value of the spine and the FRAX hip could be considered radiological factors influencing bisphosphonate non-response in the postmenopausal patients with OVFs. The failure of bisphosphonate treatment for osteoporosis has a possible negative on the fracture healing process in OVFs.

Automated summary

This study aimed to analyze the incidence of bisphosphonate treatment failure, associated radiological factors, and effect of fracture healing in postmenopausal women with osteoporotic vertebral fractures. The non-response group had significantly lower initial BMD values than the response group, and the initial BMD value of the spine and the FRAX hip were identified as radiological factors influencing bisphosphonate non-response. These findings provide insights into the possible mechanisms and factors influencing bisphosphonate treatment failure in osteoporosis.