Comparative analysis of teriparatide and calcium supplementation in post-surgery fracture healing among osteoporotic patients

Background: Osteoporotic fractures pose a significant clinical challenge due to delayed healing, prolonged immobilization and increased morbidity. Teriparatide, an anabolic agent, has shown promise in enhancing fracture healing by stimulating osteoblastic activity. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of teriparatide versus calcium carbonate in promoting fracture healing among osteoporotic patients following surgical fixation. Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted at Marble City Hospital, Kishangarh, Rajasthan, from March 2023 to February 2025. A total of 260 patients diagnosed with osteoporosis and undergoing surgical fracture fixation were enrolled. Patients were divided into two groups: Group A (teriparatide, n=130) and Group B (calcium carbonate, n=130). Fracture healing was assessed by measuring cortical bridging time through radiographs, with gender distribution and fracture types analyzed using chi-square and t-tests. Results: Group A (Teriparatide) achieved significantly faster fracture healing, with a mean healing time of 12.09±1.50 weeks, compared to Group B (Calcium carbonate), which required 14.01±1.95 weeks (p<0.01). Gender distribution was comparable between both the groups (p=0.709). Intertrochanteric fractures were the most prevalent (66.53%), followed by distal radius fractures (24.61%) and proximal humerus fractures (8.84%). Conclusions: Teriparatide significantly accelerates radiographic fracture healing in osteoporotic patients compared to oral calcium carbonate supplementation. Its incorporation into post-surgical care protocols enhances recovery, reduce complications and improve patient outcomes.