In subjects with acute SCI: To compare the effects of parenteral zoledronic acid therapy on preservation of regional and total skeletal mass (DXA).

Hypothesis: Zoledronic acid will dramatically diminish bone loss in persons with acute SCI, as evidenced by serial densitometry determinations (DXA).

Immobilization is associated with disuse osteoporosis. Spinal cord injury (SCI) produces a syndrome of acute skeletal immobilization with immediate and irreversible unloading of the involved skeletal regions resulting in accelerated bone loss. In addition to rapid bone loss, there are also the complications of hypercalciuria, hypercalcemia, nephrolithiasis, and renal insufficiency. In some reports, as much as 50% of regional bone mass has been lost within the first year after paralysis. A depletion of regional bone of such magnitude greatly increases the risk of fractures, with associated morbidity and increased cost of care. Often, these fractures occur with minimal or non-obvious trauma and may pass undiagnosed for varying lengths of time due to the absence of pain sensation. The acute complications of fracture may include hemorrhage, deep venous thrombosis, and autonomic dysreflexia. Long-term complications include functional deformity, non-union, infection, heterotopic calcification, and significantly longer healing time. The sociology-economic consequences include a minimum of 1 to 2 weeks of hospitalization and the potential need for an increased level of attendant care. This study will address the efficacy of a bisphosphonate, zoledronic acid (Reclast: 5 mg; Novartis Pharmaceuticals Inc., East Hanover, NJ), in the prevention of the bone loss associated with acute SCI.

Prevention of regional osteoporosis in persons with SCI would reduce the morbidity associated with fractures, a known secondary complication of immobilization. Thus, the quality of life would be improved in terms of employment responsibilities (reduction in days absent from employment and income lost) and personal activities (recreational endeavors, independence, and ease in which one performs activities of daily living). Individuals with SCI may then engage more securely in activities without fear of fracture, a tremendous psychological benefit.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Within 3 months of the date of acute SCI.
2. Motor-complete and incomplete SCI [American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) of sensorimotor impairment (AIS A, B, and C)]

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Extensive life-threatening injuries (in addition to SCI)
2. Femur or tibia fracture or extensive bone trauma
3. History of prior bone disease (Paget's disease, overactive parathyroid, osteoporosis)
4. Post-menopausal women
5. Known allergy to bisphosphonates
6. Severe underlying chronic illness
7. Current diagnosis of cancer or history of cancer
8. I am currently receiving corticosteroids
9. Pregnancy or lactation
10. I have been diagnosed with kidney problems
11. As determined from the prescreening blood tests by the study physician Serum creatinine > 2.0 mg/dl
12. As determined from the prescreening blood tests by the study physician Corrected calcium < 8 mg/dl or > 11 mg/dl
13. As determined from the prescreening blood tests by the study physician Elevated liver function enzymes > 2 x upper limit of normal (ULN)
14. I am taking a bisphosphonate for heterotopic ossification (HO) (an overgrowth of bone typically diagnosed shortly after SCI in the pelvic region)
15. I have an existing dental condition or dental infection.

24 months

Monthly assessment of medical history over the 24 month follow-up period after baseline assessment.

The clinical trial was not randomized, it had a relatively small sample size, and 5 participants received high-dose corticosteroids in an attempt to preserve neurologic function upon that could have had a profound adverse effect on the skeleton.