Can osteoporosis medications help strengthen bones before spine surgery?
Yes, medications can help strengthen your bones, which may improve surgical outcomes. However, timing is important to discuss with your healthcare team.
Osteoporosis medications work in different ways:
Bone-building medications (taken before Show Full Answer
Can osteoporosis medications help strengthen bones before spine surgery?
Yes, medications can help strengthen your bones, which may improve surgical outcomes. However, timing is important to discuss with your healthcare team.
Osteoporosis medications work in different ways:
Bone-building medications (taken before surgery):
- Teriparatide (Forteo) and abaloparatide (Tymlos) are daily injections that stimulate new bone growth
- Romosozumab (Evenity) is a monthly injection that both builds bone and slows bone loss
- These are typically given for 1-2 years
Bone-protecting medications (often used after bone-building drugs):
- Bisphosphonates like alendronate (Fosamax) or zoledronic acid (Reclast) slow bone breakdown
- Denosumab (Prolia) is an injection given every 6 months
Since you've never taken osteoporosis medications, your doctor may recommend starting treatment before surgery to help strengthen the bone where screws will be placed. This could take several months, so it's crucial to have this conversation with both your spine surgeon and the doctor managing your osteoporosis.
A MyOsteoTeam member shared: "Found out 5 months ago that I had osteoporosis when I developed compression fractures in 3 vertebrae and a near complete spinal cord compression. Underwent surgery and I am doing physio, exercise, walking as much as I can."
Your medical team can create a coordinated plan that optimizes your bone health for the best surgical outcome.
April 19
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