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Thursday, August 21, 2008 Lois Etzler asks

Q: Has there been any research in how fosamax may prevent the healing of fractures or bone grafts?

I have had 2 bone grafts in my one foot.  The first one did not heal well and eventually broke down causing a non-union between my toe and metarsal.  I have had a second graft done and am 5 months post op and although it is healing - progress is slow.  My doctor thinks that the fosamax I took for 8 years is the cause since it basically freezes bone and apparently causes the formation of new bone to be slowed.  Is there any study as to the truth of this?  Note:  I went off of fosamax 2 months ago and since then healing seems to have progressed better.  Any information would be appreciated.  Also note that my last bone density indicated Osteopenia

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9/10/08 2:48pm

Thanks for your question. You should always listen to the advice of a doctor. In this case, I couldn't find any studies directly linking Fosamax and bone healing. There appears to be some information and opinions in the medical journals about the role bisphosphonates (the group of medications to which Fosamax belongs) play in fracture healing. Unfortunately, it is all written in very technical terms, meaning that only your doctor or a medical professional can fully understand it. Try seeing if your doctor can help you understand why he thinks what he does about Fosamax's role in your healing.

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By Lois Etzler— Last Modified: 12/27/10, First Published: 08/21/08