• Michael G Vitale, Julie C Choe, Matthew W Hwang, Rebecca M Bauer, Joshua E Hyman, Francis Y Lee, and David P Roye.
• International Center for Health Outcomes and Innovative Research, College of Physicians and Surgeons, and the Josepth L. Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University and New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY 10032, USA. mgv16@yahoo.com
• Spine J. 2003 Jan 1;3(1):55-62.

Background ContextKetorolac Tromethamine (ketorolac) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) with proven efficacy in decreasing postoperative pain in various surgical settings, including the treatment of spine deformities. However, some studies have raised questions regarding the potential side effects of this agent, such as increased bleeding and inhibition of bony fusion.PurposeThis study was conducted to determine whether there is any association between the use of ketorolac and postoperative complications in a group of children who underwent scoliosis surgery.Study Design/SettingThis is a retrospective review of a group of children who underwent spinal fusion between 1989 to 1999 at our institution.Patient SampleData on a total of 208 children were analyzed in this study. Sixty received ketorolac and 148 did not.Outcome MeasuresPostoperative transfusion and reoperation rates were the two main outcome measures of interest.MethodsA retrospective review of 208 children who underwent scoliosis surgery was conducted, with a focus on ketorolac use. Univariate analysis and logistic regression were used to quantify the determinants of postoperative complications.ResultsOur analyses detected no significant differences in a broad range of socioclinical variables between the two patient groups, including age at surgery, gender, type of scoliosis, surgical approach, use of erythropoietin, levels of curvature and degree of curvature. Analysis of complication rates focusing on postoperative transfusion and revision surgery showed that there were no significant differences between the two groups.ConclusionsIn this retrospective study of 208 children undergoing spine surgery, postoperative use of ketorolac did not significantly increase complications, including transfusion and reoperation.

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