Zoledronic Acid After Hip Fracture

Abstract This chapter examines the results of the HORIZON-RFT trial, which investigated the effectiveness of annual zoledronic acid infusions for preventing new fractures and mortality in patients after hip fractures. The trial included adults aged 50 or older who sustain low-trauma hip fractures and are randomized to receive either zoledronic acid or placebo. The results showed that zoledronic acid significantly reduceds the risk of new fractures by 35% and decreases all-cause mortality compared to placebo. The trial also demonstrates that zoledronic acid increases bone mineral density at the hip and femoral neck over time. Finally, the chapter emphasizes that clinicians recommend zoledronic acid for secondary prevention in patients with hip fractures, although the trial does not compare it to other standard treatments.