Objective

This study aimed to investigate the association of bisphosphonates with outcomes related to radiographic changes and pain in hip osteoarthritis (OA) over 4 years.

Methods

This study examined data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI), which included 4088 hips from 2057 participants. Bisphosphonate users were identified as those who reported usage at least three times, including at baseline and during the subsequent 1, 2, 3, and 4‐year follow‐up visits. Non‐users were participants who did not use bisphosphonates in the 5 years preceding the baseline and at subsequent follow‐up visits. Generalized estimating equations were performed to assess the association between bisphosphonate use and outcomes related to radiographic changes and pain in hip OA over a 4‐year follow‐up.

Results

The analysis revealed no statistically significant difference between bisphosphonate users and non‐users concerning outcomes related to radiographic changes and pain in hip OA over 4 years. Specifically, the odds ratios for the incidence and transition of radiographic hip OA were 0.55 (95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 0.26 to 1.17) and 0.78 (95% CI: 0.47 to 1.28), respectively. Furthermore, the odds ratios for the development and resolution of frequent hip pain were 1.04 (95% CI: 0.76 to 1.42) and 0.99 (95% CI: 0.72 to 1.36), respectively.

Conclusion

The findings from this longitudinal study do not suggest an association between bisphosphonate use and the prevention, slowing, or delay of development and transition of radiographic changes or pain in hip OA over a 4‐year follow‐up.