[Evidence and utility of etidronate for the treatment of osteoporosis].

Etidronate is the first bisphosphonate for the treatment of osteoporosis in Japan. Etidronate is useful for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis, glucocorticoid induced osteoporosis, osteoporosis in men, and disused osteoporosis. Etidronate is less effective than other bisphosphonate, such as alendronate and risedronate, in reduction of fracture risk especially non-vertebral fracture, although bone mineral density in femoral neck is significantly increased.