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NSAIDs Impair Rotator Cuff Tendon-to-Bone Healing
Full Title
Indomethacin and celecoxib impair rotator cuff tendon-to-bone healing.
Summary
This controlled laboratory study investigated whether common anti-inflammatory drugs interfere with rotator cuff healing. 180 rats underwent rotator cuff repair surgery and were given either indomethacin (a traditional NSAID), celecoxib (a COX-2 inhibitor), or no medication for 14 days. Both drug groups showed significantly impaired tendon-to-bone healing compared to the control group, with reduced tissue formation and weaker repair strength. The findings indicate that NSAIDs, while commonly prescribed for pain relief after injury or surgery, can actively interfere with the body's ability to heal rotator cuff tendons, supporting the concern that these medications may do more harm than good during recovery.