Efficacy of intravenous neridronate in transient osteoporosis of the hip.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravenous (iv) neridronate in patients affected by transient osteoporosis of the hip (TOH). METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated the clinical records of patients affected by TOH treated with iv neridronate in our department. We treated patients with a value of visual analogue scale (VAS)-pain ≥ 80/100 mm at diagnosis, limited range of movement and magnetic resonance images (MRI) findings suggestive of TOH. The regimen used was: one iv infusion at day 0, 3, 6, 9 (100 mg for each infusion: total of 400 mg). This protocol was repeated in refractory cases. Recovery was defined as VAS-pain level ≤20/100. Concomitant use of analgesics was allowed. Paired Student t-test was used to assess VAS-pain change. RESULTS: Five patients were male, 3 were female. Mean age was 54.5±2.12 years old. Mean body mass index was 26.57±2.22. Mean time to diagnosis, since the onset of the symptoms, was 75±21.21 days. Mean number of neridronate infusions was 7.5±2.56. Mean time of recovery was 57±45.96 days. Mean VAS-pain at baseline was 84±2,24. Mean VAS-pain after treatment was significantly reduced (p<0.001) with a value of 12.12±6.46. None of the patients needed analgesics after treatment. No adverse event was reported. In 5 cases, post-treatment MRI showed complete bone marrow oedema resolution. CONCLUSIONS: Intravenous neridronate is effective and safe in the treatment of TOH and its use may lead to a faster resolution of the disease.