European spine journal : official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society
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Bisphosphonates are compounds characterized by a P-C-P structure. They act essentially on bone, inhibiting bone resorption. Through this mechanism they decrease bone loss, increase bone mineral density, and decrease bone turnover. ⋯ In the latter they diminish both vertebral and nonvertebral fractures. The adverse events are few, mostly gastrointestinal, and can be avoided to a large extent by correct administration. Since there are no other compounds available which have a similar profile, they represent today the drugs of choice in the treatment and the secondary prevention of osteoporosis.