Unfortunately, osteoporosis, as a worldwide disease, is challenging human health with treatment only available for the symptoms of osteoporosis without managing the disease itself. Osteoporosis can be linked as the common cause of fractures and increased mortality among post-menopausal women, men, and the elderly. Regrettably, due to osteoporosis, incidents of fractures are more frequent among the presented populations and can be afflictive for carrying out everyday life activities. Current treatments of osteoporosis encompass changing lifestyles, taking orthopedic drugs, and invasive surgeries. However, these treatment options are not long lasting and can lead to complications after post-surgical life. Therefore, to solve this impairment, researchers have turned to nanotechnologies and nanomaterials to create innovative and alternative treatments associated with the consequences of osteoporosis. This review article provides an introduction to osteoporotic compression vertebral fractures (OVCFs) and current clinical treatments, along with the rationale and efficacy of utilizing nanomaterials to modify and improve biomaterials or instruments. The methods of applying bioactive agents (bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2), parathyroid hormone 1-34 (PTH 1-34)), as well as 3D printing will be presented from an osteoporosis treatment perspective. Additionally, the application of nanoparticles and nanotube arrays onto the current surgical treatments and orthopedic drug administration methods addressed will show that these systems reinforce a better mechanical performance and provide precise and slow-releasing drug delivery for better osseointegration, bone regeneration, and bone strength. In summary, nanomaterials can be seen as an alternative and more effective treatment for individuals with osteoporosis.
Keywords: 3D printing; Bioactive agents; Injectable materials; Nanotechnology; Osteoporosis; Osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture.