The Effects of Postoperative Ketorolac on Wound Healing in a Rat Model

Ketorolac is a nonopioid, anti-inflammatory drug commonly used for postoperative analgesia. Its effectiveness has been previously documented in various orthopedic procedures and more recently in spinal surgery. It remains uncertain if ketorolac has an effect on wound healing. The purpose of this study was to determine if the use of postoperative ketorolac induced deleterious effects on wound healing in a simulated spinal surgery incision using a rat model. A 4-cm dorsal midline incision was made and closed in 36 rats. Rats were divided into 3 groups: (1) 5 mg/kg ketorolac given every 6 hours for 24 hours; (2) 5 mg/kg ketorolac given every 6 hours for 48 hours; and (3) control group given dextrose 5% in water every 6 hours for 48 hours. On postoperative day 14, sutures were removed. Wounds were removed and loaded to failure in tension. The mean±SD loads to failure were 9.8±1.8 N for group 1, 9.0±2.4 N for group 2, and 9.5±4.5 N for group 3. The differences among the 3 groups were not statistically significant ( P >.05). The use of ketorolac in the immediate postoperative period produces no increased risk of wound complications in this rat model.