Selective COX-2 inhibitor reduces bone healing in bone defects

Anti-inflammatory agents have been reported to regulate bone healing. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor (meloxicam) on bone healing in calvarial defects in rats. Thirty-six adult male Wistar rats were included. After anesthesia, a linear incision was made through the skin of the scalp, a full-thickness flap was reflected and a 4 mm round defect was made with a trephine drill. The animals were randomly assigned to one of the following 4 treatment groups (9 animals each), including daily subcutaneous injections: A: saline solution for 15 days; B: saline solution for 45 days; C: 3 mg/kg of meloxicam for 15 days and D: 3 mg/kg of meloxicam for 45 days. The animals were sacrificed and the specimens, routinely processed. The bone filling was histometrically measured and statistical analysis, performed. Intergroup comparisons demonstrated that the meloxicam groups presented a significant reduction in bone healing when compared to their respective controls (group A, 44.5 +/- 5.75%, against group C, 57.5 +/- 7.25%, p < 0.05; group B, 40.25 +/- 13.75%, against group D, 52.25 +/- 17.25%). Within the limits of the present study, it can be concluded that selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors may reduce bone healing in calvarial defects in rats after continuous administration.