Bisphosphonates, Bone and Joint Pain.

Although controversial, BPs have been reported to improve pain ratings, imaging features, and inflammatory markers in patients with arthritis, more specifically OA. It is possible that their effects in periarticular bone strongly influence the complex inflammatory process within the joints. Recent data also suggests that they can potentially impact synovial and synoviocytes and macrophages. Although more studies are needed to define their contribution in clinical practice, increasing evidence suggests they hold an important function, especially in conditions with periarticular bone involvement such as OA. Although BPs are indicated primarily for prevention and treatment of osteoporosis, they can also have potential effects on the inflammatory process of other conditions, including OA. Improvements in pain scale ratings, periarticular findings through imaging, and inflammatory response suggest their potential extra-osteoporotic properties.