title: L-dopa in the treatment of nonunited fractures.
abstract: Twenty-five patients with delayed or nonunion of fractures of a long bone had adjunctive treatment with levodopa (L-dopa). Presumably, L-dopa stimulates growth hormone, which has been suggested as helpful in bone growth and repair. All patients had previously been immobilized, and 22 had one or more surgical procedures. L-dopa was administered 500 mg initially and over three weeks was gradually increased to 500 mg orally three times a day. Treatment was continued for six months or until the fracture healed. After six months, 21 patients (84%) had no pain with full activity and solid bony union by roentgenograms and were considered healed. This study suggests that L-dopa improves the capacity of nonunited fractures to heal. Proof would require a randomized, double-blind series of patients. L-dopa could prove to be a useful adjunct in the management of delayed or nonunion of long-bone fractures.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle.
authors.forename: J W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Pritchett
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002146:Bony Callus / Q000187:drug effects; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D005599:Fractures, Ununited / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007980:Levodopa / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D007980:Levodopa