Comparison of the Rate of Nonunion or Delayed Union in Fifth Metatarsal Fractures Receiving Anti-Inflammatory Medications

Abstract

Objectives: Controversy exists regarding the effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on fracture healing. Our retrospective study uses a private payer database to isolate patients diagnosed with 5th metatarsal (MT) fractures and compare the rate of delayed open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) or non/malunion repair as a surrogate for nonunion or delayed union, in those prescribed anti-inflammatories and those not prescribed anti-inflammatories. Methods: Data was collected from the PearlDiver Technologies Humana dataset using CPT and ICD-10 codes. All patients included had a diagnosis of 5th MT fracture and did not receive ORIF or repair of non/malunion within 60 days of diagnosis. Two groups were then created based on the presence or absence of insurance claim records for anti-inflammatory medications within 60 days of diagnosis. The number of patients in each group who underwent ORIF or non/malunion repair after 60 days post-diagnosis was determined, and the rates were compared using a chi-square analysis. Results: 10,626 patients had a diagnosis of 5th MT fracture and did not undergo early repair/ORIF (within 60 days). 1,615 had records of insurance claims for anti-inflammatories within 60 days of diagnosis, leaving 9,011 who did not receive these medications. 18 (1.11%) patients who received an anti-inflammatory medication underwent ORIF or repair of non/malunion after 60 days post-diagnosis. 44 (0.49%; p=0.0055) subjects who did not receive an anti-inflammatory prescription underwent ORIF or repair of non/malunion at after 60 days post-diagnosis. Conclusion: The rate of delayed ORIF or non/malunion repair of 5th MT fractures, a surrogate for delayed union or nonunion in an insurance database study, was significantly higher in subjects receiving anti-inflammatories within 60 days of diagnosis. This study isolates a specific fracture and finds a negative correlation between NSAIDs and fracture healing. Further, this provides valuable information to help guide future higher level studies.