Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2010; 23(06): 385-392
DOI: 10.3415/VCOT-10-01-0017
Review Article
Schattauer GmbH

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs inhibit bone healing: A review

S. Barry
1   Washington State University, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Pullman, Washington, USA
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received: 31 January 2010

Accepted: 23 June 2010

Publication Date:
19 December 2017 (online)

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Summary

The ability of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) to inhibit bone healing has been established in experimental animal models using mice, rats, and rabbits. The mechanism of action is largely unknown but stems from prostaglandin inhibition and is likely multifactorial. In human medicine NSAID are known to prevent heterotopic ossification, however the clinical importance of their effects on bone healing remains controversial. Although a small handful of reports suggest that NSAID suppress bone healing in dogs and horses, there is little published information to direct veterinary practice in domestic species.