The Study of the Early Administration of Alendronate on Prevention of Bone Loss After Hip Fracture.

A Six Month Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial Followed by Six Month Open-Label Study of the Early Administration of Alendronate on Prevention of Bone Loss After Hip Fracture.

To determine whether administration of Alendronate early is more effective than late in the prevention of osteoporosis following a hip fracture

Inclusion Criteria:

Male and Female aged > 55 Low trauma hip fracture up to 90 days Be willing to submit to periodic bone mineral density radiographic studies of the spine & 24 hr urine collection Written informed consent

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Exclusion Criteria:

• Disorders known to affect bone metabolism Not taking bisphosphonates within last 6 months Drugs known to interfere with calcium metabolism within the lats 6 months prior to hip fracture serum calcium> 2.65 mmol/L Treatment with any investigational drug within the last 30 days