VERtebral Fracture Treatment Comparisons in Osteoporotic Women

Inclusion Criteria:

- Postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, as defined by low bone mineral density (BMD),
i.e. anterior-posterior lumbar spine, total hip or femoral neck BMD ≥1.5 standard
deviations below the average BMD for young, healthy, non-Hispanic, Caucasian women

- A minimum of 2 moderate or 1 severe vertebral fragility fractures (confirmed by
central reader) were required

Exclusion Criteria:

- Increased risk of osteosarcoma

- History of unresolved skeletal diseases that affect bone metabolism

- History of atypical subtrochanteric or diaphyseal femoral fractures

- Abnormally high or low calcium levels

- Abnormally high parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels

- Severe vitamin D deficiency

- Abnormal thyroid function not corrected by therapy

- History of malignant neoplasms in the last 5 years

- Active liver disease, clinical jaundice

- Significant impairment of hepatic or renal function

- History of nephro- or urolithiasis

- Previous or planned kypho- or vertebroplasty

- Active or risk for osteonecrosis of the jaw

- Active or recent history of upper gastrointestinal disorders

- Unable to stand or sit in the upright position for at least 30 minutes