The effect of Cox-2 specific inhibition on direct fracture healing in the rabbit tibia.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of Cox-2 administration on direct (primary) fracture healing.


METHODS
A transverse tibial osteotomy was created in adult male rabbits and rigidly fixed in compression using a 2.7-mm dynamic compression plate. Animals were randomized to receive either rofecoxib (12.5 mg orally per day) or placebo. Animals were killed at 4 weeks and fracture healing assessed by mechanical testing.


RESULTS
There were no significant differences between the control and Cox-2 treated animals in terms of mechanical strength at 4 weeks. There was a high complication rate of peri-implant fractures during the daily medication administration.


CONCLUSIONS
The immediate administration of a Cox-2 specific inhibitor did not impair primary (direct) bone healing at the dose administered in this rabbit tibial osteotomy model.
Denver Health/University of Colorado, 777 Bannock Street, MC 0188, Denver, CO 80204, USA. david.hak@dhha.org
David J
DJ
Hak
Kurt S
KS
Schulz
Behrang
B
Khoie
Scott J
SJ
Hazelwood
D000818:Animals; D051546:Cyclooxygenase 2 / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D052246:Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D017102:Fracture Healing / Q000187:drug effects*; D008297:Male; D010027:Osteotomy / Q000379:methods*; D011817:Rabbits; D013977:Tibia / Q000201:enzymology*; D013978:Tibial Fractures / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D052246:Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors; D051546:Cyclooxygenase 2