Abstract

The clinical and radiological effects of systemic administration of tiludronate (bisphosphonate compound), was investigated on the healing of experimentally induced femoral fractures in twelve adult experimental dogs which were divided randomly into two groups (six for each). After induction of femoral bone fracture and intramedullary fixation, the dogs (TG) were treated with tiludronic acid, at 2 mg/kg body weight, subcutaneously, twice weekly, for eight successive weeks. In the control group (CG) the fracture was fixed by Steinman intramedullary pin and was left to repair spontaneously without further medical treatment. All dogs were followed for two months by daily clinical and weekly radiological examination. The results revealed that, treatment with tiludronate played a role in the enhancement of fracture healing process by increasing the formation of callus at the fracture site. Fracture lines declined week 3, and completely disappeared in week 4 in the TG group. In the CG group the fracture lines declined in week 4, and disappeared in week 5. This effect was clearly reflected clinically by the earlier enhancement in the use of the fractured leg by the animals in the TG group, in comparison to the CG group.