RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To determine if the use of a second-generation biphosphonate, pamidronate, is an effective treatment option for stress fractures in intercollegiate athletes. Pamidronate is successfully used to increase bone mass in patients with Charcot arthropathy and osteoporosis. DESIGN: Case series. SETTING: Academic sports medicine clinic with primary responsibility for intercollegiate athletics. PARTICIPANTS: Five intercollegiate female athletes. INTERVENTIONS: Intravenous pamidronate administered weekly for a total of 5 treatments. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENT: Athletes' ability to continue training without restrictions. RESULTS: Four of 5 treated athletes were able to continue training and competition within 1 week of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Pamidronate may be a useful adjunct to the treatment of stress fractures.