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Boniva is a medication that belongs to a general class of drugs called bisphosphonates. Bisphosphonates are anti-resorptive, which means they keep the bone from dissolving and being absorbed by the body. They are used most often by bone cancer patients or older adults with osteoporosis.
The use and effects of bisphosphonates has been studied in animals and adults. The first study in children was just done in Australia. Results were optimistic. They used the bisphosphonates in children and adolescents who had a traumatic hip injury. Femoral neck fractures were included.
A bone scan alerted the doctors to which patients had damage to the bone leading to bone death or necrosis. Intravenous bisphosphonate was used for an average of 20 months. It was given at six weeks and again three months after the injury and then every three months.
The results were very favorable. However this drug is still considered experimental for children. No one knows the best dosage to use or if there might be long-term side effects.
This same study showed that if the bone scan was negative, the children did not develop further problems with osteonecrosis. It might be helpful to start with this type of test to identify if your child is at risk.
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