Bone structure and strength after sleeve gastrectomy with risedronate

Adding bone microarchitecture and strength measures to the STRONG BONES randomized trial examining risedronate use to mitigate bone loss after bariatric surgery

NIH-funded research Wake Forest University Health Sciences · NIH-11305223

This project compares the osteoporosis drug risedronate to a placebo to help protect bone structure and strength in people aged 40 and older having sleeve gastrectomy.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWake Forest University Health Sciences NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Winston-Salem, United States)
Project IDNIH-11305223 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

If you join, you would be part of a group of adults already enrolled in the STRONG BONES trial who are randomly given risedronate or a placebo for six months. The ancillary study adds a high-resolution imaging test (HR-pQCT) of the wrist and shin to look at bone microarchitecture and estimated strength at the start, 6 months, and 12 months. Blood tests and standard bone scans (DXA and CT) from the main trial will also be used to understand changes over time. The extra imaging aims to show more detailed bone changes that standard scans may miss.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 40 or older who are having sleeve gastrectomy and are eligible to join the STRONG BONES trial at a participating site.

Not a fit: People not having bariatric surgery, those under age 40, or individuals already on bisphosphonate treatment or with contraindications to risedronate are unlikely to benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could show that risedronate better preserves bone microstructure and strength after sleeve gastrectomy, which may lower fracture risk for future patients.

How similar studies have performed: Bisphosphonates have protected bone density in other settings, but using HR-pQCT to track microarchitectural changes after bariatric surgery is relatively new.

Where this research is happening

Winston-Salem, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.