ASSESSING THE EFFICACY OF ZOLEDRONIC ACID AND CALCIUM CARBONATE D3 SUPPLEMENTATION ON OSTEOPOROTIC PAIN MANAGEMENT, BONE DENSITY IMPROVEMENT, AND BONE METABOLIC MARKERS IN ATHLETIC PATIENTS

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of zoledronic acid combined with calcium carbonate D3 tablets on alleviating osteoporotic pain, enhancing bone mineral density (BMD), and influencing bone metabolic markers in athletic patients suffering from osteoporosis. Methods: In this randomized, controlled, double-blind clinical trial, 200 osteoporotic patients, including a significant proportion of athletes, were enrolled. Participants were randomly divided to receive either zoledronic acid in conjunction with calcium carbonate D3 tablets or a placebo, over a treatment course of 6 months. The primary outcomes assessed were changes in pain scores, BMD at the lumbar spine and femoral neck, and biochemical markers indicative of bone metabolism. Results: After the 6-month treatment period, the group treated with zoledronic acid and calcium carbonate D3 exhibited significantly greater improvements across all primary outcomes compared to the control group. Notably, there was a 45% reduction in mean pain scores within the treatment group. Enhancements in BMD were particularly pronounced at the lumbar spine and femoral neck. Furthermore, this group experienced beneficial shifts in bone metabolism markers, underlining the combined treatment's positive impact on bone health. Conclusion: The administration of zoledronic acid coupled with calcium carbonate D3 tablets markedly alleviates osteoporotic pain and fosters substantial improvements in bone mineral density and bone metabolic markers among osteoporotic patients, including those with athletic backgrounds. This combination therapy emerges as a promising, effective, and safe treatment modality for osteoporosis, offering valuable benefits to the bone health of affected individuals, particularly athletes, who may face unique challenges due to their high physical demands.