Combining systemic and local osteoporosis treatments: A longitudinal in vivo microCT study in ovariectomized rats

HA2 injections significantly densified bone, independent of systemic therapy. Zoledronate in HA2-ZOL enhanced bone formation and delayed resorption in control and PTH animals, but offered no additional benefit when combined with systemic bisphosphonate. These findings support the hypothesis of an additive effect, suggesting that injectable hydrogels with localized drug delivery can complement systemic therapies by rapidly increasing local bone density, thereby potentially preventing fractures in high-risk osteoporotic patients.