The effects of two nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs on limb swelling, joint stiffness, and bone torsional strength following fracture in a rabbit model.

Using a rabbit distal tibia fracture model treated by immobilization for three weeks, the effects of two nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs on postfracture limb swelling, joint stiffness, and torsional bone strength were examined. Limb swelling in rabbits treated with low-dose piroxicam was reduced by 39%, and high-dose piroxicam reduced limb swelling by 86%. Flunixin, tested at one dose, reduced swelling by 53%. Neither piroxicam nor flunixin affected ankle stiffness or tibia torsional strength.