Does Local Ibandronate and/or Pamidronate Delivery Enhance Osseointegration? A Systematic Review

Purpose: To our knowledge from indexed literature, the present study is the first one to systematically review the influence of local delivery of pamidronate (PAM) and/or ibandronate (IBA) on osseointegration enhancement. The aim of the present systematic review was to assess the efficacy of IBA and/or PAM local delivery (topically or coating on implants surfaces) in promoting osseointegration. Materials and Methods: To address the focused question, Does local IBA and/or PAM delivery enhances osseointegration?, indexed databases were searched without time or language restrictions up to and including May 2016 using various combinations of the following keywords: pamidronate, ibandronate, bisphosphonates, osseointegration, and topical administration. Letters to the Editor, historic reviews, commentaries, case series, and case reports were excluded. Results: Fifteen studies were included. Fourteen studies were performed in animals and 2 were clinical trials. One study reported an experimental model and a clinical trial in the same publication. Results from 12 experimental studies and 2 clinical studies reported improved biomechanical properties and/or osseointegration around implants with PAM and/or IBA. Two experimental studies showed that PAM and/or IBA did not improve osseointegration. Conclusions: On experimental grounds, local IBA and/or PAM delivery seems to enhance osseointegration; however, from a clinical perspective, further randomized control trials are needed to assess the effectiveness of IBA and PAM in promoting osseointegration around dental implants.