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Review Confirms NSAIDs May Interfere With Tendon Healing

Iowa Orthopaedic Journal (2019) · Duchman KR, Lemmex DB, Patel SH, Ledbetter L, Garrigues GE

Full Title

The Effect of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs on Tendon-to-Bone Healing: A Systematic Review with Subgroup Meta-Analysis.

Summary

This systematic review analyzed 13 studies (3 clinical and 10 basic science) to evaluate the effect of NSAIDs on tendon-to-bone healing after injury or surgery. The review found that clinical studies reported higher rates of rotator cuff repair failure in patients using selective COX-2 NSAIDs compared to non-selective NSAIDs. While basic science studies showed mixed results, the overall evidence raises concerns that NSAIDs may interfere with the healing process at the tendon-bone interface. The review highlights the need for caution when prescribing anti-inflammatory medications following tendon injuries and surgical repairs.

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