Weekly teriparatide administration for the treatment of delayed union: a report of two cases.

ABSTRACT

UNLABELLED Two cases of delayed union that were effectively treated with weekly TPTD administration are described. The effect of this therapy was observed within 4 weeks. INTRODUCTION: In the first case, a 72-year-old woman underwent osteotomy for the treatment of hallux valgus. Bone union was still not observed 4 months after surgery. Therefore, weekly teriparatide (56.5 mg) injections were administered, resulting in the initiation of bone union within 4 weeks and complete bone union 4 months after the first teriparatide injection. In the second case, a 72-year-old woman underwent open reduction and internal fixation of an olecranon fracture. Bone union was delayed 4 months after surgery; therefore, weekly teriparatide (56.5 mg) injections were started. RESULTS: The initiation of bone union was slightly evident within 4 weeks, and complete healing was achieved 4 months after the first teriparatide injection. In both cases, no serious teriparatide-related adverse effects were observed. CONCLUSION: Weekly teriparatide administration was effective for bone healing and useful for delayed union; moreover, the effect of this therapy showed within 4 weeks.