For people with osteoporosis, the use of bisphosphonates has been helpful in reducing the risk of bone fractures. However, recent studies suggest that the long-term use of bisphosphonates might actually play a contributing role in atypical fractures of the femur or long bone of the thigh. These concerns have led the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to recommend updates to bisphosphonate labeling.

“Atypical fractures represent a clinical problem that can be understood through a crosstalk among clinical medicine, engineering, and basic bone biology,” said Prof. Deepak Vashishth, PhD. Dr. Vashishth will be moderating the Orthopaedic Research Society’s (ORS) Translational Research Symposium, “Atypical Fractures with Long-term use of Bisphosphonates,” as part of the ORS 2014 annual meeting.

This 1-hour symposium will provide cutting-edge ideas on multiple aspects of the problem, with presentations on the issue from the perspectives of the clinician, the researcher, and the patient.

“Each speaker will present an open-ended and thought-provoking lecture that will benefit anyone currently in or entering the field of orthopaedics—including orthopaedic residents and fellows, practicing orthopaedic surgeons, and musculoskeletal researchers,” explained Dr. Vashishth. “The result of this innovative program will be an up-to-date understanding of an acutely important clinical area.”

Ego Seeman, MD, will present the clinician’s perspective. Dr. Seeman currently serves as a professor of medicine and an endocrinologist at the University of Melbourne. Robert O. Ritchie, PhD, known for his research in the field of fracture mechanics of materials, will present the engineer’s perspective, and Jennifer Schneider, MD, PhD, will put forth the patient’s case.

Through these high-profile, dynamic speakers from different disciplines, attendees will be inspired to further discuss and explore new research and clinical approaches in their own work. “The ultimate goal,” said Dr. Vashishth, “is to help drive new critical thinking and spur innovation toward new therapies.”

“Atypical Fractures with Long-term use of Bisphosphonates” will be held Sunday, March 16, beginning at 12:30 p.m., at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans. For more information and to register, visit http://www.ors.org/ors2014aaos/. Lunch is included in the registration fee.

Amber Blake is the ORS communications manager. She can be reached at blake@ors.org