Abstract

Background: Osteoporotic fractures often demonstrate delayed healing due to impaired bone metabolism. Teriparatide, an anabolic recombinant human parathyroid hormone [PTH(1–34)], has shown potential to accelerate fracture healing. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of teriparatide on fracture union time, functional recovery, and safety in osteoporotic fractures.

Methods: A prospective, randomized study was conducted on 40 osteoporotic fracture patients at FH Medical College, Agra. Patients were randomized into two groups: Group A received daily teriparatide (20 μg) with calcium and vitamin D for 12 weeks; Group B received calcium and vitamin D only. Patients were assessed clinically and radiologically at 2, 4, 6, 12, and 24 weeks. Primary outcome was time to radiographic union; secondary outcomes were functional scores (Harris Hip Score, QuickDASH) and adverse events.

Results: Baseline demographics and fracture distribution were comparable between groups. Mean time to union was significantly shorter in the teriparatide group (10.2 ± 1.4 weeks) versus control (13.6 ± 1.8 weeks; p < 0.001). At 12 weeks, 85% of teriparatide-treated patients had union versus 45% in controls (p = 0.01). Harris Hip Score and QuickDASH showed greater improvement in the teriparatide group at 12 weeks (p < 0.05). Adverse events were mild (transient hypercalcemia, injection site reaction).

Conclusion: Teriparatide significantly shortened fracture healing time and improved early functional outcomes in osteoporotic fractures, with a favorable safety profile. It may be considered as an adjunct in selected patients, particularly those at high risk of delayed union.

Keywords: Osteoporotic fracture, Teriparatide, Fracture healing, Harris Hip Score, Randomized study

Abstract

Background: Osteoporotic fractures often demonstrate delayed healing due to impaired bone metabolism. Teriparatide, an anabolic recombinant human parathyroid hormone [PTH(1–34)], has shown potential to accelerate fracture healing. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of teriparatide on fracture union time, functional recovery, and safety in osteoporotic fractures.

Methods: A prospective, randomized study was conducted on 40 osteoporotic fracture patients at FH Medical College, Agra. Patients were randomized into two groups: Group A received daily teriparatide (20 μg) with calcium and vitamin D for 12 weeks; Group B received calcium and vitamin D only. Patients were assessed clinically and radiologically at 2, 4, 6, 12, and 24 weeks. Primary outcome was time to radiographic union; secondary outcomes were functional scores (Harris Hip Score, QuickDASH) and adverse events.

Results: Baseline demographics and fracture distribution were comparable between groups. Mean time to union was significantly shorter in the teriparatide group (10.2 ± 1.4 weeks) versus control (13.6 ± 1.8 weeks; p < 0.001). At 12 weeks, 85% of teriparatide-treated patients had union versus 45% in controls (p = 0.01). Harris Hip Score and QuickDASH showed greater improvement in the teriparatide group at 12 weeks (p < 0.05). Adverse events were mild (transient hypercalcemia, injection site reaction).

Conclusion: Teriparatide significantly shortened fracture healing time and improved early functional outcomes in osteoporotic fractures, with a favorable safety profile. It may be considered as an adjunct in selected patients, particularly those at high risk of delayed union.