Evaluation of the effects of Celecoxib on fracture healing

Post operative pain is induced by peripheral and central sensitization of structures involved in nociception. Pain can be minimized by the use of analgesic drugs prior to pain stimulation such as surgery. Inhibition of cyclooxygenase -2 (cox - 2) activity leads to reduction in prostaglandin production and its effect in inflammation and pain. In this book an experimental study was done on the inhibition of fracture healing possibly resulting from cyclooxygenase - 2 inhibition by Celecoxib. The orthopaedic community embraced the coxibs as a result of their effectiveness and favorable side effect profile. The coxibs have proved valuable in the treatment of post operative pain as well as pain associated with knee and hip ostheoarthritis. Studies have raised concern that coxib may delay fracture healing and tendon healing. This study however confirms that inhibition of cyclooxygenase enzymes impairs fracture healing and that the effects are dependent on the dose.