New studies are needed to assess bisphosphonate treatment in children with cerebral palsy

There is very-low-certainty evidence to suggest that, compared with placebo or no treatment, bisphosphonate therapy may improve bone mineral density (BMD) in the lumbar spine and distal femur in children with cerebral palsy.

Evidence from 1 study showed improved BMD z‐scores at 6 months post‐intervention in the lumbar spine, femur region 1 (metaphysis just proximal to the growth plate) and femur region 2 (region of transition between the broad metaphysis and narrow femoral shaft), but not in femur region 3 (distal portion of the femoral diaphysis).

There is no available evidence that shows whether bisphosphonate treatment may reduce fracture frequency or improve bone pain and quality of life in this population. Minimal adverse effects were reported following 12 months of bisphosphonate treatment.