17

Jan 2026

Choosing the Right Bone Treatment: A Gender Divide in Recovery

Published in News on January 17, 2026

$A landmark international study has shed new light on how different bone-strengthening medications perform in men and women following a hip fracture. The research, which tracked patients across Australia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom, compared two primary classes of drugs: bisphosphonates and denosumab. The findings, published in Osteoporosis International, highlight a critical disparity in outcomes based on gender, potentially changing how doctors prescribe post-fracture care. Key Findings: Fractures vs. Survival The study revealed a complex trade-off between preventing future injuries and overall life expectancy: Fracture Prevention: Patients prescribed bisphosphonates faced a 25% higher risk of suffering a second fracture compared to those treated with denosumab. Survival Rates in Men: While denosumab was more effective at preventing new fractures, men using bisphosphonates actually showed a lower rate of mortality. Associate Professor Jenni Ilomäki, lead author from Monash University’s Centre for Medicine Use and Safety (CMUS), noted that while the team set out to study the impact on vulnerable populations, the gender-based results were an "unexpected" discovery. Closing the Gap for Dementia Patients One of the most significant aspects of the study was its focus on patients with dementia and frailty. Historically, these individuals are often undertreated with bone-strengthening medications after a hip fracture, despite being at a much higher risk for subsequent falls and injuries. The research found that people with dementia derive the same benefits from these medications as those without the condition. Professor Simon Bell, Director of CMUS, emphasized that one in five hip fracture patients has dementia, yet they are frequently overlooked in clinical guidelines. “Most osteoporosis guidelines don’t make specific recommendations for people with dementia or frailty,” Professor Bell said. “This is a gap that needs to be addressed, especially since the risk of a second hip fracture is twice as high for those living with dementia.” A Step Toward Personalized Medicine The study, funded by the Dementia Australia Research Foundation, serves as a vital "building block" for future clinical practice. By identifying that medication outcomes can vary significantly based on gender and cognitive health, researchers hope to move toward a more tailored approach to geriatric care. As the medical community continues to analyze the safety and effectiveness of these treatments, the goal remains clear: ensuring that every senior—regardless of gender or cognitive status—receives the most effective protection against life-altering fractures.$

A landmark international study has shed new light on how different bone-strengthening medications perform in men and women following a hip fracture. The research, which tracked patients across Australia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom, compared two primary classes of drugs: bisphosphonates and denosumab.

The findings, published in Osteoporosis International, highlight a critical disparity in outcomes based on gender, potentially changing how doctors prescribe post-fracture care.

Key Findings: Fractures vs. Survival

The study revealed a complex trade-off between preventing future injuries and overall life expectancy:

Fracture Prevention: Patients prescribed bisphosphonates faced a 25% higher risk of suffering a second fracture compared to those treated with denosumab.
Survival Rates in Men: While denosumab was more effective at preventing new fractures, men using bisphosphonates actually showed a lower rate of mortality.

Associate Professor Jenni Ilomäki, lead author from Monash University’s Centre for Medicine Use and Safety (CMUS), noted that while the team set out to study the impact on vulnerable populations, the gender-based results were an "unexpected" discovery.

Closing the Gap for Dementia Patients

One of the most significant aspects of the study was its focus on patients with dementia and frailty. Historically, these individuals are often undertreated with bone-strengthening medications after a hip fracture, despite being at a much higher risk for subsequent falls and injuries.

The research found that people with dementia derive the same benefits from these medications as those without the condition. Professor Simon Bell, Director of CMUS, emphasized that one in five hip fracture patients has dementia, yet they are frequently overlooked in clinical guidelines.

“Most osteoporosis guidelines don’t make specific recommendations for people with dementia or frailty,” Professor Bell said. “This is a gap that needs to be addressed, especially since the risk of a second hip fracture is twice as high for those living with dementia.”

A Step Toward Personalized Medicine

The study, funded by the Dementia Australia Research Foundation, serves as a vital "building block" for future clinical practice. By identifying that medication outcomes can vary significantly based on gender and cognitive health, researchers hope to move toward a more tailored approach to geriatric care.

As the medical community continues to analyze the safety and effectiveness of these treatments, the goal remains clear: ensuring that every senior—regardless of gender or cognitive status—receives the most effective protection against life-altering fractures.