Strontium Ranelate in the Healing of Fractures Complicated with Delayed Union. It is Really Effective?

Abstract

Osteoporosis is a systemic skeletal disease characterized by low bone strength, which leads to an increased risk of fracture. The primary objective of osteoporosis treatment is the prevention of fragility fractures and the secondary objective is their rapid healing if they occur. Strontium ranelate is an antiosteoporotic therapeutic agent with a double action mechanism: the increase of bone formation and the decrease of bone resorption, contributing thus to the improvement of bone healing. Preclinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy of strontium ranelate for the improvement of bone healing and bone microarhitecture, as well as of the osteointegration of implants. Some clinical cases have been reported regarding the efficacy of strontium ranelate in the healing of long bone fractures complicated by nonunion or delayed union. In the present study we have reported 2 clinical cases that demonstrate the effectiveness of the treatment with strontium ranelate (Osseor) for 3-6 months in the healing of complicated long bone fractures with delayed union. Our cases confirm the results of the open label study CL3-12911-036 (delayed union and non-union fracture study), where the treatment with 2 g/day of strontium ranelate improved healing and led to a better quality of life. Even if there are some cardiovascular contraindications, strontium ranelate is proven to reduce vertebral and non-vertebral fracture risk in osteoporosis and in the same time improves bone microarchitecture and accelerates fracture healing.