The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether zoledronic acid given once yearly for two years to men and women after surgical repair of a recent hip fracture will significantly reduce the rate of all re-occurring (new) osteoporotic fractures. All patients will receive vitamin D and calcium.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Male or female ages 50 years or older
• Must have a recent hip fracture repair in the past 90 days
• Must be able to walk with or without assistive device (for example, using a walker) prior to the hip fracture

Exclusion Criteria:

• Current bisphosphonate users such as aredia (pamidronate), didronel (etidronate), fosamax (alendronate), actonel (residronate), skelid (tiludronate)

Other protocol-defined inclusion/exclusion criteria may apply.