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Complications of ketorolac use in children undergoing operative fracture care

Robert M Kay1, Michael P Directo, Michael Leathers

  • 1Childrens Orthopaedic Center, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA. rkay@chla.usc.edu

Journal of Pediatric Orthopedics
|September 25, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Perioperative ketorolac does not increase complication risks in pediatric fracture care. This study found no difference in osseous or soft tissue issues, including infection and union rates, between children treated with or without ketorolac.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery
  • Pain Management
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Ketorolac is frequently used for perioperative pain relief.
  • Concerns exist regarding its safety in pediatric patients undergoing orthopedic surgery.
  • This study addresses the safety of ketorolac in this specific population.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate osseous and soft tissue complication rates in children receiving ketorolac after operative fracture care.
  • To compare these complication rates with those of children not receiving ketorolac.
  • To determine if ketorolac increases complication risks in pediatric orthopedic surgery.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of 221 pediatric patients undergoing operative fracture care.
  • Patients were divided into two groups: those who received perioperative ketorolac (169) and those who did not (52).
  • Evaluation for complications including nonunion, delayed union, transfusion needs, wound complications, and infection.

Main Results:

  • No significant difference in overall complication rates between the ketorolac and non-ketorolac groups (P=0.928).
  • Similar rates of wound infection and need for blood transfusion in both groups.
  • Zero cases of delayed union or nonunion were reported in either group.

Conclusions:

  • Perioperative ketorolac administration is safe for children undergoing operative fracture care.
  • Ketorolac does not elevate the risk of infection, wound complications, delayed union, or nonunion.
  • The findings support the use of ketorolac for pain management in pediatric orthopedic surgery.
Abstract

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