Effect of zoledronic acid in an L6–L7 rabbit spine fusion model

Abstract Previous studies have shown that zoledronic acid administration can increase mineral content and strength in distraction osteogenesis. Of the few studies that have examined the use of bisphosphonates in spinal arthrodesis, none have assessed the effect of single dose treatment. The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of enhancing spinal fusion rate using single dose zoledronic acid (ZA) to increase fusion-mass size and mineral density. Forty-eight New Zealand white rabbits underwent an L6–L7 intertransverse process fusion. The L6–L7 model is more challenging than the more commonly used level of L5– L6.