This Case Study describes a postmenopausal woman who sustained a vertebral compression fracture 1 year after discontinuing long-term alendronate therapy for osteoporosis. A bone biopsy specimen revealed numerous giant, multinucleated osteoclasts, in contrast to the current opinion that alendronate therapy reduces the number of osteoclasts. In the context of this case, the authors highlight diseases that might be associated with giant osteoclasts, and discuss how to discriminate between them in order to avoid unnecessary tests and referrals.
- Nidhi Jain
- Robert S. Weinstein
