L-dopa in the treatment of nonunited fractures.

Abstract

Twenty-five patients with delayed or nonunion of fractures of a long bone had adjunctive treatment with levodopa (L-dopa). Presumably, L-dopa stimulates growth hormone, which has been suggested as helpful in bone growth and repair. All patients had previously been immobilized, and 22 had one or more surgical procedures. L-dopa was administered 500 mg initially and over three weeks was gradually increased to 500 mg orally three times a day. Treatment was continued for six months or until the fracture healed. After six months, 21 patients (84%) had no pain with full activity and solid bony union by roentgenograms and were considered healed. This study suggests that L-dopa improves the capacity of nonunited fractures to heal. Proof would require a randomized, double-blind series of patients. L-dopa could prove to be a useful adjunct in the management of delayed or nonunion of long-bone fractures.