Best evidence topic report. Do non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs cause a delay in fracture healing?
A short cut review was carried out to establish whether there is any evidence that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) might delay fracture healing. A total of 514 papers were found using the reported search, of which three represent the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The author, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes, results, and study weaknesses of these best papers are tabulated. At present, although there are theoretical concerns about the adverse effects of NSAIDs on fracture healing, there is not enough clinical evidence to deny patients with simple fractures their analgesic benefits.
Clarke
Simon
S
Department of Emergency Medicine, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9WL, UK.
Lecky
Fiona
F
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004630:Emergencies; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D017102:Fracture Healing / Q000187:drug effects*; D005599:Fractures, Ununited / Q000139:chemically induced*; D006801:Humans
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal