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Biomechanical and histologic assessment of a controlled muscle strain injury treated with piroxicam
W T Obremsky1, A V Seaber, B M Ribbeck
1Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710.
Abstract:
This study was designed to observe the effect of the nonsteroidal antiinflammatory piroxicam on a controlled muscle strain injury in the rabbit model. The tibialis anterior tendons of 90 New Zealand White rabbits were detached at their distal insertions, and the right tendon was stretched to the yield point of the deformation curve. One group of 50 rabbits received piroxicam treatment and the others received no treatment. At 1, 2, 4, and 7 days the parameters of muscle function, tensile strength, and histology were examined. Muscle contractile force was significantly greater in the piroxicam-treated group at Day 1, but no difference was noted at any other time period. Tensile strength was not significantly different at any time period in either group. Histology revealed delayed degradation of damaged tissue and slowed regeneration of muscle tissue at the injury site in the piroxicam-treated group. Piroxicam and other anti-inflammatories are frequently given to athletes being treated for muscle strain injuries to control pain through their effect on the inflammatory process. This study demonstrates that piroxicam does not adversely influence the recovery of contractile and tensile strength in a followup period of 1 week. Therefore, antiinflammatory treatment may be beneficial early in the course of muscle injury.
Insights
Piroxicam, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, did not negatively impact muscle strength recovery after injury in rabbits. Early anti-inflammatory treatment may benefit muscle strain recovery.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Sports Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Muscle strain injuries are common in athletes, often treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like piroxicam to manage inflammation and pain.
- The impact of NSAIDs on the healing process of muscle injuries requires further investigation to ensure optimal recovery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of piroxicam on muscle function, tensile strength, and histology following a controlled muscle strain injury in a rabbit model.
- To determine if piroxicam treatment influences the early stages of muscle injury repair.
Main Methods:
- A controlled muscle strain injury was induced in the tibialis anterior tendons of 90 New Zealand White rabbits.
- Rabbits were divided into two groups: one receiving piroxicam treatment and a control group receiving no treatment.
- Muscle function, tensile strength, and histological parameters were assessed at 1, 2, 4, and 7 days post-injury.
Main Results:
- Piroxicam-treated rabbits showed significantly greater muscle contractile force at Day 1, with no differences observed at later time points.
- No significant differences in tensile strength were found between the piroxicam-treated and control groups at any time point.
- Histological examination revealed delayed tissue degradation and slowed regeneration in the piroxicam-treated group at the injury site.
Conclusions:
- Piroxicam treatment did not adversely affect the recovery of muscle contractile and tensile strength within the first week post-injury.
- Despite delayed tissue remodeling, early anti-inflammatory intervention with piroxicam may be beneficial for muscle strain injuries.