Effects of alendronate sodium combined with InterTan on osteoporotic femoral intertrochanteric fractures and fracture recurrence

BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis is a global disease affecting 6.6% of the total population. Osteoporosis complications include fractures, increased bone fragility, and reduced bone strength. The most commonly affected parts are the vertebral body, hip, and wrist. AIM: To examine the effect of alendronate sodium combined with InterTan for osteoporotic femoral intertrochanteric fractures on bone and fracture recurrence METHODS: In total, 126 cases of osteoporotic femoral intertrochanteric fractures were selected and divided into two groups according to the 1:1 principle by the simple random method. They were admitted to the Department of Orthopedics, First Affiliated Hospital of Xingtai Medical College, from January 2018 to September 2020. The control group was treated with InterTan fixation combined with placebo, and the observation group with alendronate sodium based on InterTan fixation. Operation-related indicators, complications, and recurrent fractures were compared between the groups. Changes in bone metabolism markers, t value for hip bone mineral density, and Harris Hip Score were observed. RESULTS: Operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative ambulation time, and complications were compared between the groups, and no significant difference was found. The fracture healing time was significantly shorter in the observation group than in the control group. β-Collagen-specific sequence (β-CTX) and total aminoterminal propeptide of type I procollagen (T-PINP) in the control group at 3 mo after operation were compared with those before operation, and the difference was not significant. Six months after the operation, the β-CTX level decreased and T-PINP level increased. β-CTX level at 3 and 6 mo in the observation group after operation was lower, and T-PINP level was higher, than that before operation. Compared with the control group, T-PINP level of the observation group was significantly higher and β-CTX level was significantly lower at 3 and 6 mo after operation. The t value of hip bone mineral density was compared in the control group before and 1 mo after operation, and significant difference was not found. Compared with the control group, the t value of hip bone mineral density in the observation group was significantly higher at 1, 3, 6, and 12 mo after operation. Compared with the control group, the Harris score of the observation group was significantly higher at 1, 3, 6, and 12 mo after operation. The recurrence rate of fractures in the observation group within 12 mo was 0.00%, which was significantly lower than 6.35% in the control group. CONCLUSION: Alendronate sodium combined with InterTan in the treatment of osteoporotic femoral intertrochanteric fractures can increase bone mineral density, improve hip joint function, promote fracture healing, and reduce fracture recurrence.