School of Podiatric Medicine - Student Research

Document Type

Poster

Publication Date

9-26-2026

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA) utilization has increased over recent years for the use of glycemic control and weight management. Although this drug offers multiple benefits, there’s concern for its potential effects on bone health. As the use of GLP-1 RA rises, it’s important to understand its potential impact on bone healing, specifically its influence on postoperative complications following ankle open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF).

AIM: The aim of this literature review is to determine if preoperative GLP-1 RA use is correlated with an increase in post-operative complications following ankle ORIF.

METHODOLOGY: A literature review was conducted using articles between the years of 1980-2026. Google Scholar and Pubmed databases were used according to PRISMA guidelines using the search phrases: GLP-1 and Ankle ORIF. Articles utilized focused on the postoperative complications of ankle ORIF in GLP-1 RA users.

RESULTS: Overall, 4 articles (~3,929,509 patients) were included focusing on postoperative effects following ankle ORIF in GLP-1 RA users. Three articles showed a decreased risk of mortality at 90 days and 1 year in GLP-1 RA users. One study noted no significant difference in post-operative complications in GLP-1 RA users and nonusers at 90 days, 1 year, and 5 years; however, there were higher rates of hardware removal in non-users at 30 days. Another study noted that GLP-1 RA decreased the risk of surgical site infections and implant infection at 90 days and 1 year. Furthermore, a decrease in cardiovascular complications and postoperative infection in GLP-1 RA users was found. Lastly, one study mentioned an increase in fall-related injuries in GLP-1 RA patients between 90 and 180 days following ankle ORIF.

CONCLUSIONS: Use of GLP-1 RA showed a decrease in mortality rate, cardiovascular complications, hardware removal, and postoperative infection rate, but may contribute to increased fall-risk postoperatively.

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