Summary
Evidence from four studies indicates that nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID)
use in the post-fracture period of long-bone healing increases the risk of nonunion,
with adjusted relative risk estimates ranging from 3.15 - 10.74. While three of the
studies showed this risk to be statistically significant, one study did not. Additional
methodologically rigorous prognostic studies which delineate NSAID type, dosage, and
timing are necessary to establish the long term risk of NSAID use on the incidence
of nonunion in long-bone fractures.
