Washington, Sept 11: Anti-inflammatory drugs for people undergoing hip replacement surgery can do more harm than good, according to a new study.

The study conducted by the George Institute for International Health and orthopedic centers throughout Australian and New Zealand measured the effects of a short post-operative course of anti-inflammatory on the development of 'ectopic' - bone formation related pain and disability, six to twelve months after surgery.

“Ectopic bone is abnormal bone that can form in the soft tissues around the operated hip. This occurs in more than one third of all patients in the months after hip replacement surgery," Dr Marlene Fransen Head Musculoskeletal Program at The George Institute and Principal Investigator of this study, said.

Many surgeons prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs in the immediate post-operative period to avoid this outcome, or simply as part of a pain management strategy.

While the researchers found the use of post-operative ibuprofen, a common anti-inflammatory drug, did indeed greatly reduce the risk of ectopic bone formation, patients reported no greater reductions in hip pain or physical disability six to twelve months after surgery, compared with those not taking the drug.

They also found evidence suggesting that there may be an increased risk of major bleeding events in those taking the drug.

"For this reason, our study shows that recommending a routine course of an anti-inflammatory drug following hip replacement surgery, is not justified," Fransen said. (ANI)