Osteoporosis international : a journal established as result of cooperation between the European Foundation for Osteoporosis and the National Osteoporosis Foundation of the USA
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Localized transient osteoporosis (LTO; bone marrow edema syndrome) is a rare disorder of generally unknown etiology that is characterized by acute onset of disabling bone pain. Treatment options are currently limited and largely ineffective. The locally increased bone turnover and low bone mineral density (BMD) typical of LTO indicate a potential role for bisphosphonate therapy. ⋯ The mean (SD) VAS score decreased from 8.4 (1.3) at baseline to 0.5 (0.7) at 6 months, at which time seven patients had achieved complete pain relief. At 6 months, mean lumbar spine BMD had increased by 4.0% (range -0.8 to 7.7%) in the overall population. I.v. ibandronate injection affords advantages over currently available oral and i.v. bisphosphonates and thus offers a promising therapeutic advance in the treatment of LTO.