Influence of anabolic steroid on tibial fracture healing in rabbits - a study on experimental model.

INTRODUCTION Anabolic steroid is an established drug for treating catabolic states. The said drug has been shown to restore the lean body mass, to prevent osteoporosis and to correct the impaired immune response, but only few studies have evaluated the effect of the same on fracture healing. METHODS Fracture was produced by an impact device in 24 rabbits which were divided into experimental (I) and control (II) groups of 12 animals each. The experimental groups were further divided into the subgroups IA and IB of equal animals, which received Nandrolone Decanoate 10 mg/kg intramuscularly, biweekly for 2 weeks and 4 weeks respectively. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION Radiographs taken on the post fracture day15 and 40 showed better healing in the Nandrolone Decanoate administrated groups as a dense periosteal bone formation and prevention of the local osteoporosis. Histochemical examination of the callus and high serum alkaline phosphatase levels on day 15 and 40 confirmed better mineralization in experimental animals.