Some New Drugs May Actually Slow Joint Destruction in Knee Osteoarthritis

Risedronate (Actonel) is a drug commonly used to prevent and alleviate osteoporosis symptoms. It is a bisphosphonate medication that can impede joint impairment. Research undertaken by the ACR shows that when taken in higher doses, Risedronate can avert the need for surgical joint replacement in sufferers.

Joint Impairment

The most common type or arthritis, Osteoarthritis, can strike older people and damage the cartilage tissue which encases bone ends at the joints.

The cartilage allows smooth movement of bones and absorbs the shock of vigorous physical movement. It separates the bones from one another for efficient and effortless movement.

Osteoarthritis Of The Knee

Osteoarthritis usually attacks the knees, the body's main weight support. The disease results in cartilage loss, and shows through in x-rays as a reduction in the joint space. X-rays are normally used to assess the extent of osteoarthritis on the joints.

Some current studies have determined that the bones lying beneath the cartilage may be osteoporotic. This means that bone loss may occur, particularly in the trabecular bars supporting the bony plate underneath the cartilage tissue. Subsequent bone deterioration can cause the joint to collapse, making surgery necessary.

Risedronate Facts

Risedronate (Actonel) is a bisphosphonate drug commonly used to treat Osteoporosis, particularly in the management of postmenopausal Osteoporosis. There are other bisphosphonate drugs available, like:

• alendronate (Fosamax)


• ibandronate (Boniva)

Risedronate and the other bisphosphonates work to:

• increase bone mass


• impede bone deterioration


• prevent bone fractures, particularly fractures of the spine

The National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) reports that administering 5 mg. of risedronate daily or a 35mg dose weekly, complimented with calcium and an 8-ounce glass of water, can avert and treat Osteoporosis. Patients should take the medication at least 30 minutes prior to meals, and should maintain an upright position afterwards for at least 30 minutes.

Risedronate has been approved for the prevention and treatment of Osteoporosis which has sets in after a prolonged use of corticosteroid drugs like prednisone, triamcinolone, or cortisone.

Study Results

Scientists monitored the bone structure in a study of the effects of risedronate on Osteoarthritis. The objective of the study was to assess whether the drug could arrest or undo bone deterioration from cartilage loss, thereby preventing joint collapse.

Two groups of Osteoarthritis patients, a control group of 300 and a second group of 100 sufferers were chosen to participate in the study. All participants exhibited narrowing of the joint space due to the disease. The control group took a placebo, and the experimental group received risedronate, each at 5 mg., 15 mg. or 50 mg. doses daily. They were then monitored over a two-year period.

A new computational method utilizing standard radiographs, analyzed the transformation in the trabecular, or the spongy bone plate underneath the cartilage of the knees. These were performed on participants subdivided into groups having an absence of, minimal, or advanced narrowing of the joint space.

Results of the Study

In patients exhibiting extensive narrowing of the joint space:

• those receiving higher doses of risedronate, up to 15 mg. per day or 50 mg. per week, showed an arrest and even a retreat of trabecular bone loss.


• those receiving a placebo, or lower doses of 5 mg. per showed no signs of improvement.

Patients with no symptoms of joint space narrowing still incurred moderate bone loss despite treatment.

Conclusions of the Study

Given in higher doses, risedronate effects include:

• Protection of the trabecular in patients exhibiting extensive narrowing of the joint space.


• Halts eventual joint collapse and prevents the necessity of joint replacement surgery.