Effect of Nandrolone, Calcium-D and Vitamin C on Fracture Union

Abstract

Background: Delay union and nonunion is one of the most common fractures complications of extremities in humans. There are several factors influencing normal process of bone union. Nutrition is an important factor in this process. Objectives: In this study we aimed to observe the effect of nandrolone, calcium-D and vitamin C on the process of healing of fractures. Patients and Methods: This study included 139 male patients, aged 18 to 50 years, with fracture of the shaft of tibia and fibula that were treated surgically with intramedullary nailing. These patients were randomly divided to four groups; group 1 received 25 mg of nandrolone decanoate via intramuscular injection every three weeks. Patients of group 2 received 1000 mg of calcium carbonate plus 400 international units of vitamin D3 per day. Patients of group 3 received 1000 mg of vitamin C per day, and group 4 served as the control group and didn’t receive any drug. These groups were compared according to radiographic and clinical criteria for fracture union. Results: Patients in the nandrolone group showed better union in the first three months after surgery than the control group, with the difference being significant. There was no significant difference in calcium-D and vitamin C groups with respect to the control group. Conclusions: Nandrolone in the first three months after surgery can accelerate fracture union yet calcium plus vitamin D or vitamin C has no effect on fracture union.