Preoperative Reduction of Opioid Use Before Total Joint Arthroplasty

A pilot multicentre randomised clinical trial to determine the effect of a pharmacist-partnered opioid tapering intervention before total hip or knee arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Opioid analgesic use before total hip or knee arthroplasty has been associated with worse postoperative outcomes. This pilot study aimed to examine the feasibility of a telehealth-based pharmacist-partnered opioid tapering intervention before elective primary hip or knee arthroplasty and its potential effectiveness compared with usual care.

METHODS

This study was conducted at seven hospitals in New South Wales, Australia. Eligible patients were those aged ≥ 18 years, scheduled to undergo primary hip or knee arthroplasty for osteoarthritis and taking opioid analgesics pre-operatively. The intervention group participated in an opioid tapering telehealth service, a partnership between a pharmacist and general practitioner, for 3 months pre-operatively up to the day of surgery, while the control group received usual care. The primary outcomes of the study were to investigate the feasibility of the intervention (i.e. adherence to treatment) and potential effectiveness in decreasing baseline daily opioid dose by > 50% before surgery.

RESULTS

Between December 2021 and June 2023, 70 patients were recruited and assigned randomly to the intervention group (n = 35) or control group (n = 35). Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. Thirty patients in each group completed their allocated treatment. All patients allocated to the intervention group completed at least one appointment with a pharmacist, with the median (IQR [range]) being 2 (1-4 [1-6]) appointments. The number of patients who successfully decreased their baseline daily opioid dose by ≥ 50% before surgery was 27/30 in the intervention group compared with 5/30 in the usual care group (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this pilot study support the feasibility of a telehealth-delivered, pharmacist-partnered opioid tapering service for patients scheduled for primary hip or knee arthroplasty. A broader multicentre study to examine the effectiveness of this intervention on clinical outcomes is warranted.

Do modifiable patient factors increase the risk of postoperative complications after total joint arthroplasty?

INTRODUCTION

Numerous studies demonstrate that modifiable lifestyle risk factors can influence patient outcomes including survivability, quality of life, and postoperative complications following orthopaedic surgery. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of modifiable lifestyle risk factors on postoperative medical and surgical complications following a total joint arthroplasty (TJA) in a large national healthcare system.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of a large national health system database was performed to identify patients who underwent TJA between 2017 and 2021. TJA included total knee arthroplasty, total hip arthroplasty, and total shoulder arthroplasty. Modifiable lifestyle risk factors were defined as tobacco use, narcotic drug abuse, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus. Postoperative medical complications and postoperative surgical complications were collected. Logistic regression and odds ratio point estimate analysis were conducted to assess for associations between postoperative complications and modifiable lifestyle risk factors.

RESULTS

Of the 16,940 patients identified, the mean age was 71 years, mean BMI was 29.7 kg/m2, and 62% were women. We found that 3.5% had used narcotics, 8.7% were past or current smokers, 24% had diabetes, and 61% had hypertension; in addition, 5.4% experienced postoperative medical complications and 6.4% experienced postoperative surgical complications. Patients who used narcotics were 90% more likely to have postoperative complications (p < 0.0001) and 105% more likely to experience prosthetic complications (p < 0.0001). Similarly, patients with tobacco use were 65% more likely to have postoperative complications (p < 0.0001) and 27% more likely to experience prosthetic complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrate critical rates of increased postoperative medical and surgical complications after TJA for patients with narcotic abuse, tobacco use, or diabetes mellitus. Furthermore, adopting preoperative interventions and optimization programs informed by our findings on specific modifiable risk factors could aid orthopaedic surgeons in optimizing patient health.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III; Retrospective study.

Perioperative pain management interventions in opioid user patients: an overview of reviews

BACKGROUND

Every year, many opioid users undergo surgery, experiencing increased postoperative complications, inadequate pain control, and opioid-related adverse effects. This overview aims to summarise and critically assess the systematic reviews about perioperative pain management interventions, identify the knowledge gaps, and potentially provide high-quality recommendations to improve postoperative analgesia and surgical outcomes.

METHODS

A systematic search was conducted from the following databases, PubMed, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Embase, APA PsycINFO, CINAHL, AMED, Scopus, PROSPERO, ProQuest, and Epistemonikos, in June 2023. Additionally, reference lists were reviewed. The identified studies were assessed based on eligibility criteria and data extracted by a self-designed form and two independent reviewers. Qualitative data were synthesised, and all included studies were assessed by The Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews 2 (AMSTAR 2) checklist.

RESULTS

Nine studies were included. The methodological quality of the studies was mostly critically low. Various interventions were identified, including perioperative management of buprenorphine, ketamine administration, multimodal analgesia, higher doses of medications, patient education, and interprofessional collaboration. The level of certainty of the evidence ranged from very low to high. One high-quality study showed that ketamine administration may improve perioperative analgesia supported with moderate to very low-quality evidence, and low and critically low studies indicated the efficacy of perioperative continuation of buprenorphine with low to very low-quality evidence.

CONCLUSION

Perioperative continuation of buprenorphine and ketamine administration as a multimodal analgesia approach, with moderate to very low-quality evidence, improves pain management in opioid users and decreases opioid-related adverse effects. However, high-quality systematic reviews are required to fill the identified gaps in knowledge.

Poor postoperative pain control is associated with poor long-term patient-reported outcomes after elective spine surgery: an observational cohort study

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

A significant proportion of patients experience poorly controlled surgical pain and fail to achieve satisfactory clinical improvement after spine surgery. However, a direct association between these variables has not been previously demonstrated.

PURPOSE

To investigate the association between poor postoperative pain control and patient-reported outcomes after spine surgery.

STUDY DESIGN

Ambispective cohort study.

PATIENT SAMPLE

Consecutive adult patients (≥18-years old) undergoing inpatient elective cervical or thoracolumbar spine surgery.

OUTCOME MEASURE

Poor surgical outcome was defined as failure to achieve a minimal clinically important difference (MCID) of 30% improvement on the Oswestry Disability Index or Neck Disability Index at follow-up (3-months, 1-year, and 2-years).

METHODS

Poor pain control was defined as a mean numeric rating scale score of >4 during the first 24-hours after surgery. Multivariable mixed-effects regression was used to investigate the relationship between poor pain control and changes in surgical outcomes while adjusting for known confounders. Secondarily, the Calgary Postoperative Pain After Spine Surgery (CAPPS) Score was investigated for its ability to predict poor surgical outcome.

RESULTS

Of 1294 patients, 47.8%, 37.3%, and 39.8% failed to achieve the MCID at 3-months, 1-year, and 2-years, respectively. The incidence of poor pain control was 56.9%. Multivariable analyses showed poor pain control after spine surgery was independently associated with failure to achieve the MCID (OR 2.35 [95% CI=1.59-3.46], p<.001) after adjusting for age (p=.18), female sex (p=.57), any nicotine products (p=.041), ASA physical status >2 (p<.001), ≥3 motion segment surgery (p=.008), revision surgery (p=.001), follow-up time (p<.001), and thoracolumbar surgery compared to cervical surgery (p=.004). The CAPPS score was also found to be independently predictive of poor surgical outcome.

CONCLUSION

Poor pain control in the first 24-hours after elective spine surgery was an independent risk factor for poor surgical outcome. Perioperative treatment strategies to improve postoperative pain control may lead to improved patient-reported surgical outcomes.

Head-to-head comparison of appropriate use criteria for knee arthroplasty: A multicenter cohort study

Objective

To determine, in a head-to-head comparison, which of two RAND-based knee replacement appropriateness criteria is optimal based on comparison to an externally validated method of judging good versus poor outcome.

Design

Longitudinal data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI) and the Multicenter Osteoarthritis Study (MOST) were combined to produce a dataset of 922 persons with knee arthroplasty, 602 of which had adequate data for RAND classification and had their surgery within one year prior to a study visit. Data were used to determine appropriateness classification (i.e., Appropriate, Inconclusive, Rarely Appropriate) using modified versions of the first-generation and second-generation Escobar system. Growth curve analyses and multivariable regression were used to compare the two systems.

Results

Neither system associated with the gold standard measure of good versus poor outcome. Distributions of appropriateness categories for the second-generation system were inconsistent with current evidence for knee arthroplasty outcome. For example, 16% of participants were classified as Appropriate and 64% as Rarely Appropriate for pain outcome. Distributions for the first-generation system aligned with current evidence.

Conclusion

The first-generation modified version of the Escobar appropriateness system is superior to the newer version but neither version associated with our gold standard growth curve analyses. Both systems only differentiate between patient classification groups preoperatively and up to ten months following surgery. Reliance on appropriateness criteria to inform long-term outcome is not warranted.

Risk of prolonged postoperative opioid use after elective shoulder replacement: a nationwide cohort study of 5,660 patients from the Danish Shoulder Arthroplasty Registry

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Several studies from the United States report an increased risk of prolonged opioid use after shoulder replacement. We aimed to determine the incidence and risk factors of prolonged opioid use after elective shoulder replacement in a nationwide Danish population.

METHODS

All primary elective shoulder arthroplasties reported to the Danish Shoulder Arthroplasty Registry (DSR) from 2004 to 2020 were screened for eligibility. Data on potential risk factors was retrieved from the DSR and the National Danish Patient Registry while data on medication was retrieved from the Danish National Health Service Prescription Database. Prolonged opioid use was defined as 1 or more dispensed prescriptions on and 90 days after date of surgery (Q1) and subsequently 1 or more dispensed prescriptions 91-180 days after surgery (Q2). Preoperative opioid use was defined as 1 or more dispensed prescriptions 90 days before surgery. Logistic regression models were used to estimate risk factors for prolonged opioid use.

RESULTS

We included 5,660 patients. Postoperatively 1,584 (28%) patients were dispensed 1 or more prescriptions in Q1 and Q2 and were classified as prolonged opioid users. Among the 2,037 preoperative opioid users and the 3,623 non-opioid users, 1,201 (59%) and 383 (11%) respectively were classified as prolonged users. Preoperative opioid use, female sex, alcohol abuse, previous surgery, high Charlson Comorbidity index, and preoperative use of either antidepressants, antipsychotics, or benzodiazepines were associated with increased risk of prolonged opioid use.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of prolonged opioid use was 28%. Preoperative use of opioids was the strongest risk factor for prolonged opioid use, but several other risk factors were identified for prolonged opioid use.

Challenges of perioperative pain control in opioid use disorder patients following intramedullary nail fixation

BACKGROUND

Outcomes of patients with opioid use disorder undergoing elective procedures have been well studied, but research is lacking in the orthopaedic trauma population.

AIM

The aim was to compare perioperative pain and morphine equivalents required by patients with versus without opioid use disorder following intramedullary nail fixation of femoral or tibial fractures.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective review of all patients with isolated femoral or tibial diaphyseal fractures treated with intramedullary nail fixation. Outcomes were compared between patients with diagnosed opioid use disorder and controls without, including daily morphine equivalents and patient-reported pain scores.

RESULTS

Patients with opioid use disorder (n = 42) required greater morphine equivalents and reported higher pain than controls (n = 42) at all time points but did not differ in change of morphine equivalents over the perioperative period.

CONCLUSION

This highlights the challenge of perioperative pain control in this population and need for improved specific pain management protocols.

Impact of Chronic Opioid Use on Postoperative Mobility Recovery and Patient-Reported Outcomes: A Propensity-Matched Study

BACKGROUND

Opioid use prior to total joint arthroplasty may be associated with poorer postoperative outcomes. However, few studies have reported the impact on postoperative recovery of mobility. We hypothesized that chronic opioid users would demonstrate impaired objective and subjective mobility recovery compared to nonusers.

METHODS

A secondary data analysis of a multicenter, prospective observational cohort study in which patients used a smartphone-based care management platform with a smartwatch for self-directed rehabilitation following hip or knee arthroplasty was performed. Patients were matched 2:1 based on age, body mass index, sex, procedure, Charnley class, ambulatory status, orthopedic procedure history, and anxiety. Postoperative mobility outcomes were measured by patient-reported ability to walk unassisted at 90 days, step counts, and responses to the 5-level EuroQol-5 dimension 5-level, compared by Chi-square and student's t-tests. Unmatched cohorts were also compared to investigate the impact of matching.

RESULTS

A total of 153 preoperative chronic opioid users were matched to 306 opioid-naïve patients. Age (61.9 ± 10.5 versus 62.1 ± 10.3, P = .90) and sex (53.6 versus 53.3% women, P = .95) were similar between groups. The proportion of people who reported walking unassisted for 90 days did not vary in the matched cohort (87.8 versus 90.7%, P = .26). Step counts were similar preoperatively and 1-month postoperatively but were lower in opioid users at 3 and 6 months postoperatively (4,823 versus 5,848, P = .03). More opioid users reported moderate to extreme problems with ambulation preoperatively on the 5-level EuroQol-5 dimension 5-level (80.6 versus 69.0%, P = .02), and at 6 months (19.2 versus 9.3%, P = .01).

CONCLUSIONS

Subjective and objective measures of postoperative mobility were significantly reduced in patients who chronically used opioid medications preoperatively. Even after considering baseline factors that may affect ambulation, objective mobility metrics following arthroplasty were negatively impacted by preoperative chronic opioid use.

IPACK Block Efficacy for Acute Pain Management after Total Knee Replacement: A Review

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Patients often experience a significant degree of knee pain following total knee replacement (TKR). To alleviate this pain, nerve blocks may be performed such as the adductor canal block (ACB). However, ACBs are unable to relieve pain originating from the posterior region of the knee. A new type of nerve block known as the IPACK block may be used in conjunction with ACBs as it is designed to inhibit nerve branches innervating this area. In this article, we examine the rationale behind the IPACK procedure, how it is performed, and clinical trials examining its efficacy.

RECENT FINDINGS

5 of the 7 clinical trials examined in this article showed the IPACK + ACB block to show superior efficacy in treating pain following TKR compared to other blocks. These blocks included PMDI+ACB, SPANK+ACB, PAI+ACB, ACB alone, and SCAB. 2 of the 7 clinical trials showed the IPACK + ACB to be less effective in managing patients pain following TKR compared to other blocks which included the CACB and 4 in 1 block. In most instances, the IPACK + ACB showed superior efficacy in managing patients' pain following TKR when compared to other types of nerve blocks. This was determined by measuring usage of opioids, reported postoperative pain, and length of hospital stays following TKR. Thus, we suppose the IPACK block may be used in conjunction with the ACB to effectively reduce patient's pain following TKR.

Using Two Predictive Models to Capture Two Types of Poor Outcomes in Knee Arthroplasty: A Multisite Longitudinal Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE

Poor outcome after knee arthroplasty (KA), a common major surgery worldwide, reportedly occurs in approximately 20% of patients. These patients demonstrate minimal improvement, at least moderate knee pain, and difficulty performing many routine daily activities. The purposes of our study were to comprehensively determine poor outcome risk after KA and to identify predictors of poor outcome.

METHODS

Data from 565 participants with KA in the Osteoarthritis Initiative and the Multicenter Osteoarthritis studies were used. Previously validated latent class analyses (LCAs) of good versus poor outcome trajectories of Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) Pain and Disability were generated to describe minimal improvement and poor final outcome. The modified Escobar RAND appropriateness system was used to generate classifications of appropriate, inconclusive, and rarely appropriate. Multivariable prediction models included LCA-based good versus poor outcome, modified Escobar classifications, and evidence-driven preoperative prognostic variables.

RESULTS

Modified Escobar appropriateness classifications were nonsignificant predictors of WOMAC Pain good versus poor outcomes, indicating the methods provide independent outcome estimates. For WOMAC Pain and WOMAC Disability, approximately 34% and 45% of participants, respectively, had a high probability of either minimal improvement via "rarely appropriate" classifications or poor outcome via LCA. In multivariable prediction models, greater contralateral knee pain consistently predicted poor outcome (eg, odds ratio 1.21, 95% confidence interval 1.10-1.33).

CONCLUSION

Appropriateness criteria and LCA estimates provided combined poor outcome estimates that were approximately double the commonly reported poor outcome of 20%. Rates of poor outcome could be reduced if clinicians screened patients using appropriateness criteria and LCA predictors before surgery to optimize outcome.

A retrospective analysis of perioperative medications for opioid-use disorder and tapering additional postsurgical opioids via a transitional pain service

AIMS

To investigate perioperative opioid requirements in patients on methadone or buprenorphine as medication for opioid-use disorder (MOUD) who attended a transitional pain clinic (Personalized Pain Program, PPP).

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study assessed adults on MOUD with surgery and attendance at the Johns Hopkins PPP between 2017 and 2022. Daily non-MOUD opioid use over 6 time-points was evaluated with regression models controlling for days since surgery. The time to complete non-MOUD opioid taper was analysed by accelerated failure time and Kaplan-Meier models.

RESULTS

Fifty patients (28 on methadone, 22 on buprenorphine) were included with a median age of 44.3 years, 54% male, 62% Caucasian and 54% unemployed. MOUD inpatient administration occurred in 92.8% of patients on preoperative methadone but only in 36.3% of patients on preoperative buprenorphine. Non-MOUD opioid use decreased over time postoperatively (β = -0.54, P < .001) with a median decrease of 90 mg morphine equivalents (MME) between the first and last PPP visit, resulting in 46% tapered off by PPP completion. Older age and duration in PPP were associated with lower MME, while mental health conditions, longer hospital stays and higher discharge opioid prescriptions were associated with higher MME. The average time to non-MOUD opioid taper was 1.79× longer in patients on buprenorphine (P = .026), 2.75× in males (P = .023), 4.66× with mental health conditions (P < .001), 2.37× with chronic pain (P = .031) and 3.51× if on preoperative non-MOUD opioids; however, higher initial MOUD level decreased time to taper (P = .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Postoperative opioid tapering utilizing a transitional pain service is possible in patients on MOUD.

Methylprednisolone taper is an effective addition to multimodal pain regimens after total shoulder arthroplasty: results of a randomized controlled trial: 2022 Neer Award winner

BACKGROUND

Perioperative corticosteroids have shown potential as nonopioid analgesic adjuncts for various orthopedic pathologies, but there is a lack of research on their use in the postoperative setting after total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of a methylprednisolone taper on a multimodal pain regimen after TSA.

METHODS

This study was a randomized controlled trial (clinicaltrials.gov NCT03661645) of opioid-naive patients undergoing TSA. Patients were randomly assigned to receive intraoperative dexamethasone only (control group) or intraoperative dexamethasone followed by a 6-day oral methylprednisolone (Medrol) taper course (treatment group). All patients received the same standardized perioperative pain management protocol. Standardized pain journal entries were used to record visual analog pain scores (VAS-pain), VAS-nausea scores, and quantity of opioid tablet consumption during the first 7 postoperative days (POD). Patients were followed for at least one year postoperatively for clinical evaluation, collection of patient-reported outcomes, and observation of complications.

RESULTS

A total of 67 patients were enrolled in the study; 32 in the control group and 35 in the treatment group. The groups had similar demographics and comorbidities. The treatment group demonstrated a reduction in mean VAS pain scores over the first 7 POD. Between POD 1 and POD 7, patients in the control group consumed an average of 17.6 oxycodone tablets while those in the treatment group consumed an average of 5.5 tablets. This equated to oral morphine equivalents of 132.1 and 41.1 for the control and treatment groups, respectively. There were fewer opioid-related side effects during the first postoperative week in the treatment group. The treatment group reported improved VAS pain scores at 2-week, 6-week, and 12-week postoperatively. There were no differences in Europe Quality of Life, shoulder subjective value (SSV), at any time point between groups, although American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons questionnaire scores showed a slight improvement at 6-weeks in the treatment group. At mean follow-up, (control group: 23.4 months; treatment group:19.4 months), there was 1 infection in the control group and 1 postoperative cubital tunnel syndrome in the treatment group. No other complications were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

A methylprednisolone taper course shows promise in reducing acute pain and opioid consumption as part of a multimodal regimen following TSA. As a result of this study, we have included this 6-day methylprednisolone taper course in our multimodal regimen for all primary shoulder arthroplasties. We hope this trial serves as a foundation for future studies on the use of low-dose oral corticosteroids and other nonnarcotic modalities to control pain after shoulder surgeries.

Transitional Pain Service: Optimizing Complex Surgical Patients

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The care of patients with complex postsurgical pain can be challenging and burdensome for the healthcare system. Transitional pain service (TPS) is a relatively new concept and has not been widely adopted in the USA. This article explores the benefits and barriers of transitional pain services and describes the development of a TPS at our institution.

RECENT FINDINGS

Evidence from a few institutions that have adopted TPS has shown decreased postsurgical opioid consumption for patients on chronic opioids and decreased incidence of chronic postsurgical opioid use for opioid-naïve patients. The development of a transitional pain service may improve outcomes for these complex patients by providing longitudinal and multidisciplinary perioperative pain care. In this article, we describe the implementation of a TPS at a tertiary medical center. Our TPS model involves a multidisciplinary team of anesthesiologists, pain psychologists, surgeons, and advanced practice providers. We provide longitudinal care, including preoperative education and optimization; perioperative multimodal analgesic care; and longitudinal follow-up for 90 days post-procedure. With our TPS service, we aim to reduce long-term opioid use and improve functional outcomes for our patients.

Correlation of Patient-Reported Preoperative Narcotic Use and Postoperative Requirements in Total Joint Arthroplasty

Preoperative narcotic use is associated with diminished outcomes and increased complications in patients undergoing primary total joint arthroplasty (TJA). The goal of this study was to compare self-reported and state database identified preoperative narcotic use and correlate it with perioperative narcotic requirements in patients undergoing primary arthroplasty. A total of 788 patients undergoing unilateral TJA from a single institution were examined using self-reported preoperative narcotic use questionnaires and were verified using the Massachusetts Prescriber Awareness Tool (MassPAT). Demographic data, perioperative morphine milligram equivalents, and postdischarge refills were recorded and analyzed. Of the total population, 16.4% of patients undergoing TJA had verified MassPAT narcotics prescriptions preoperatively. Of these patients, 55% accurately reported use to their surgeon. Patients with verified MassPAT narcotic prescriptions required more morphine milligram equivalents than patients without MassPAT prescriptions, regardless of their preoperative self-report at all time points in the study. Patients who accurately reported use required more narcotics than those who did not. Patients with MassPAT prescriptions required more postdischarge refills than patients without MassPAT prescriptions. These data suggest that state-run narcotics databases may be more useful than self-reports for identifying which patients may require more opioids both immediately postoperatively and after hospital discharge. [Orthopedics. 2024;47(1):34-39.].

Impact of opioid dependence on outcomes following total shoulder arthroplasty

INTRODUCTION

The opioid epidemic is a well-established problem encountered in orthopedic surgery in the United States. Evidence in lower extremity total joint arthroplasty and spine surgery suggests a link between chronic opioid use and increased expense and rates of surgical complications. The purpose of this study was to study the impact of opioid dependence (OD) on the short-term outcomes following primary total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA).

METHODS

A total of 58,975 patients undergoing primary anatomic and reverse TSA were identified using the National Readmission Database from 2015 to 2019. Preoperative opioid dependence status was used to divide patients into 2 cohorts, with 2089 patients being chronic opioid users or having opioid use disorders. Preoperative demographic and comorbidity data, postoperative outcomes, cost of admission, total hospital length of stay (LOS), and discharge status were compared between the 2 groups. Multivariate analysis was conducted to control for the influence of independent risk factors other than OD on postoperative outcomes.

RESULTS

Compared to nonopioid-dependent patients, OD patients undergoing TSA had higher odds of postoperative complications including any complications within 180 days (odds ratio [OR] 1.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.3-1.7), readmission within 180 days (OR 1.2, 95% CI 1.1-1.5), revision within 180 days (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.4-2.1), dislocation (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.3-2.9), bleeding (OR 3.7, 95% CI 1.5-9.4), and gastrointestinal complication (OR 14, 95% CI 4.3-48). Total cost ($20,741 vs. $19,643), LOS (1.8 ± 1.8 days vs. 1.6 ± 1.7 days), and likelihood for discharge to another facility or home with home health care (18 vs. 16% and 23% vs. 21%, respectively) were higher in patients with OD.

CONCLUSION

Preoperative opioid dependence was associated with higher odds of postoperative complications, rates of readmission and revision, costs, and health care utilization following TSA. Efforts focused on mitigating this modifiable behavioral risk factor may lead to better outcomes, lower complications, and decreased associated costs.

Patients' experiences following total knee arthroplasty: a qualitative evidence synthesis

PURPOSE

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a common surgical intervention for patients with advanced arthritis. The aim of this qualitative evidence synthesis was to systematically review the qualitative literature on patients' experiences following primary TKA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Four electronic databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane and Embase) were searched from inception until October 2021. Pairs of reviewers independently screened search results for eligibility, analysed the quality of included studies and extracted data. We undertook a thematic synthesis and used an interpretive approach to identify recurring themes and draw a conclusion. Data were synthesised using thematic analysis and an interpretive approach was used to identify themes.

RESULTS

Twenty-three studies exploring patients' experiences following TKA were included. Five main themes emerged: (i) Experience of healthcare staff, (ii) Pain/Medications, (iii) Was it worth it? (iv) Social Support (v) Follow up.

CONCLUSIONS

This review highlights the variability in patients' experiences following TKA. Whether this experience detailed their pain, function, or encounter with healthcare staff or systems, patients reported a variety of both positive and negative sentiments. Each theme invites attention to an area in which healthcare can improve to enhance patients' experiences. The importance of patient support, individualised rehabilitation and appropriate follow-up are highlighted.

Surgical prescription opioid trajectories among state Medicaid enrollees

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to evaluate opioid use trajectories among a sample of 10,138 Medicaid patients receiving one of six index surgeries: lumbar spine, total knee arthroplasty, cholecystectomy, appendectomy, colon resection, and tonsillectomy.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort.

SETTING

Administrative claims data.

PATIENTS AND PARTICIPANTS

Patients, aged 13 years and older, with 15-month continuous Medicaid eligibility surrounding index surgery, were selected from single-state Medicaid medical and pharmacy claims data for surgeries performed between 2014 and 2017.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Baseline comorbidities and presurgery opioid use were assessed in the 6 months prior to admission, and patients' opioid use was followed for 9 months post-discharge. Generalized linear model with log link and Poisson distribution was used to determine risk of chronic opioid use for all risk factors. Group-based trajectory models identified groups of patients with similar opioid use trajectories over the 15-month study period.

RESULTS

More than one in three (37.7 percent) patients were post-surgery chronic opioid users, defined as the dichotomous outcome of filling an opioid prescription 90 or more days after surgery. Key variables associated with chronic post-surgery opioid use include presurgery opioid use, 30-day post-surgery opioid use, and comorbidities. Latent trajectory modeling grouped patients into six distinct opioid use trajectories. Associates of trajectory group membership are reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings support the importance of surgeons setting realistic patient expectations for post-surgical opioid use, as well as the importance of coordination of post-surgical care among patients failing to fully taper off opioids within 1-3 months of surgery.

Modern Perioperative Pain Management Strategies to Minimize Opioids after Total Knee Arthroplasty

Total Knee Arthroplasty is associated with significant postoperative pain that can limit functional outcomes and patient satisfaction. In recent years, the standard of care for postoperative pain management has reduced reliance on opioids in favor of multimodal analgesia. These regimens consist of systemic medications such as COX-2 inhibitors, acetaminophen, corticosteroids, and gabapentinoids, as well as regional and local approaches such as peripheral nerve blocks and local infiltrative analgesics. Newer therapies, such as cryoneurolysis, are still being studied but have shown promising results. Additional studies are needed to determine the ideal pain regimen that will optimize pain control and eliminate the need for postoperative opioids.

Strategies for Reducing Perioperative Opioid Use in Foot and Ankle Surgery: Education, Risk Identification, and Multimodal Analgesia

There remains a high prevalence and substantial risks of opioid utilization amongst orthopedic patients. The goal of this review is to discuss strategies for responsible opioid use in the perioperative setting following foot and ankle orthopedic surgeries. We will highlight 1) education interventions, 2) risk identification, and 3) non-opioid alternatives for postoperative pain management.

Post-total joint arthroplasty opioid prescribing practices vary widely and are not associated with opioid refill: an observational cohort study

INTRODUCTION

Optimized health system approaches to improving guideline-congruent care require evaluation of multilevel factors associated with prescribing practices and outcomes after total knee and hip arthroplasty.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Electronic health data from patients who underwent a total knee or hip arthroplasty between January 2016-January 2020 in the Military Health System Data were retrospectively analyzed. A generalized linear mixed-effects model (GLMM) examined the relationship between fixed covariates, random effects, and the primary outcome (30-day opioid prescription refill).

RESULTS

In the sample (N = 9151, 65% knee, 35% hip), the median discharge morphine equivalent dose was 660 mg [450, 892] and varied across hospitals and several factors (e.g., joint, race and ethnicity, mental and chronic pain conditions, etc.). Probability of an opioid refill was higher in patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty, were white, had a chronic pain or mental health condition, had a lower age, and received a presurgical opioid prescription (all p < 0.01). Sex assigned in the medical record, hospital duration, discharge non-opioid prescription receipt, discharge morphine equivalent dose, and receipt of an opioid-only discharge prescription were not significantly associated with opioid refill.

CONCLUSION

In the present study, several patient-, care-, and hospital-level factors were associated with an increased probability of an opioid prescription refill within 30 days after arthroplasty. Future work is needed to identify optimal approaches to reduce unwarranted and inequitable healthcare variation within a patient-centered framework.

Prevalence and predictors of long-term opioid use following orthopaedic surgery in an Australian setting: A multicentre, prospective cohort study

Opioid analgesics prescribed for the management of acute pain following orthopaedic surgery may lead to unintended long-term opioid use and associated patient harms. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of opioid use at 90 days after elective orthopaedic surgery across major city, regional and rural locations in New South Wales, Australia. We conducted a prospective, observational cohort study of patients undergoing elective orthopaedic surgery at five hospitals from major city, regional, rural, public and private settings between April 2017 and February 2020. Data were collected by patient questionnaire at the pre-admission clinic 2-6 weeks before surgery and by telephone call after 90 days following surgery. Of the 361 participants recruited, 54% (195/361) were women and the mean age was 67.7 years (standard deviation 10.1 years). Opioid use at 90 or more days after orthopaedic surgery was reported by 15.8% (57/361; 95% confidence interval (CI) 12.2-20%) of all participants and ranged from 3.5% (2/57) at a major city location to 37.8% (14/37) at an inner regional location. Predictors of long-term postoperative opioid use in the multivariable analysis were surgery performed at an inner regional location (adjusted odds ratio 12.26; 95% CI 2.2-68.24) and outer regional location (adjusted odds ratio 5.46; 95% CI 1.09-27.50) after adjusting for known covariates. Long-term opioid use was reported in over 15% of patients following orthopaedic surgery and appears to be more prevalent in regional locations in Australia.

Opioid Use in Surgical Management in Musculoskeletal Oncology

BACKGROUND

Opioid prescribing in the context of orthopaedic surgery has been recognized as having a critical role in the ongoing opioid epidemic. Given the negative consequences of chronic opioid use, great efforts have been made to reduce both preoperative and postoperative opioid prescribing and consumption in orthopaedic surgery. Musculoskeletal oncology patients represent a unique subset of patients, and there is a paucity of data evaluating perioperative opioid consumption and the risk for chronic use. The objective of the present study was to describe opioid consumption patterns and evaluate predictors of chronic opioid use in musculoskeletal oncology patients undergoing limb-salvage surgery and endoprosthetic reconstruction.

METHODS

The present study was a secondary analysis of the recently completed PARITY (Prophylactic Antibiotic Regimens in Tumor Surgery) trial and included musculoskeletal oncology patients undergoing lower-extremity endoprosthetic reconstruction. The primary outcome was the incidence of opioid consumption over the study period. A multivariate binomial logistic regression model was created to explore predictors of chronic opioid consumption at 1 year postoperatively.

RESULTS

Overall, 193 (33.6%) of 575 patients were consuming opioids preoperatively. Postoperatively, the number of patients consuming opioids was 82 (16.7%) of 492 at 3 months, 37 (8%) of 460 patients at 6 months, and 28 (6.6%) of 425 patients at 1 year. Of patients consuming opioids preoperatively, 12 (10.2%) of 118 had continued to consume opioids at 1 year postoperatively. The adjusted regression model found that only surgery for metastatic bone disease was predictive of chronic opioid use (odds ratio, 4.90; 95% confidence interval, 1.54 to 15.40; p = 0.007). Preoperative opioid consumption, older age, sex, longer surgical times, reoperation rates, and country of origin were not predictive of chronic use.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite a high prevalence of preoperative opioid use, an invasive surgical procedure, and a high rate of reoperation, few patients had continued to consume opioids at 1 year postoperatively. The presence of metastases was associated with chronic opioid use. These results are a substantial departure from the existing orthopaedic literature evaluating other patient populations, and they suggest that specific prescribing guidelines are warranted for musculoskeletal oncology patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Substance Use Disorders in Adolescents and Young Adults: History and Perioperative Considerations From the Society for Pediatric Pain Medicine

Substance use disorders (SUDs) are on the rise in children and young adults in the United States. According to reports, over 40 million people aged 12 and older had a diagnosed SUD in 2020.1 A recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that overdose death in children aged 10 to 19 years old increased 109% from 2019 to 2021.2 Given the rapidly increasing prevalence of SUD, anesthesiologists will almost certainly encounter children, adolescents, and young adults with a history of recreational drug use or nonmedical use of prescription opioids in the perioperative period. Since the perioperative period can be a particularly challenging time for patients with SUD, anesthesiologists can tailor their perioperative care to reduce rates of relapse and can serve as both advocates and educators for this vulnerable patient population. This article examines the history of SUD and physiology of substance use in children, adolescents, and young adults, including reasons why young people are more susceptible to the addictive effects of many substances. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic impacted many aspects of life, including increased social isolation and shifted dynamics at home, both thought to impact substance use.3 Substance use patterns in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic are explored. Although current literature is mostly on adults, the evidence-based medical treatments for patients with SUD are reviewed, and recommendations for perioperative considerations are suggested. The emphasis of this review is on opioid use disorder, cannabis, and vaping particularly because these have disproportionately affected the younger population. The article provides recommendations and resources for recognizing and treating adolescents and young adults at risk for SUD in the perioperative period. It also provides suggestions to reduce new persistent postoperative opioid use.

It is the Opioids Not the Spine Surgeon; Dislocation After Total Hip Arthroplasty is Associated With Opioid Use in Patients Who Have Prior Lumbar Spine Fusion

BACKGROUND

Patients who have prior lumbar spine fusion (LSF) have an increased risk for dislocation after total hip arthroplasty (THA). These patients also have elevated rates of opioid use. We aimed to evaluate the associated risk of dislocation after THA in patients who have prior LSF comparing those who have opioid use to those who do not.

METHODS

This was a retrospective review using a large national database of 246,617 primary and 34,083 revision THA cases from 2012 to 2019. There were 1,903 primary THA and 288 revision THA cases identified with LSF prior to THA. Postoperative hip dislocation was our primary outcome variable and patients were stratified to use or nonuse of opioid at THA. Demographic data including age, sex, and obesity were collected. Multivariate analyses evaluated association of opioid use and dislocation after adjusting for demographics.

RESULTS

There was increased odds of dislocation for opioid use at THA for both primary (adjusted Odds Ratio [aOR] = 2.29, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.46 to 3.57, P < .0003) and revision THA (aOR = 1.92, 95% CI 1.62 to 3.08, P < .0003), in patients who have prior LSF. Prior LSF without opioid use was associated with increased odds of dislocation (aOR = 1.38, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.88, P = .04), but this was lower than the associated risk of opioid use without LSF (aOR 1.72, 95% CI 1.63 to 1.81, P < .001).

CONCLUSION

Increased odds of dislocation were noted with opioid use at time of THA in patients who have prior LSF. Associated risk of dislocation was higher for opioid use than prior LSF. This suggests that dislocation risk is multifactorial and we should look to strategies to reduce opioid use prior to THA.

Opioid Use Disorder in Patients Undergoing Primary 1- to 2-Level Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion Is Associated With Longer In-Hospital Lengths of Stay and Higher Rates of Readmissions, Complications, and Costs of Care

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether opioid use disorder (OUD) patients undergoing 1- to 2-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (1-2ACDF) have higher rates of: 1) in-hospital lengths of stay (LOS); 2) readmissions; 3) complications; and 4) costs.

METHODS

OUD patients undergoing primary 1-2ACDF were identified within the Medicare database and matched to a control cohort in a 1:5 ratio by age, sex, and medical comorbidities. The query yielded 80,683 patients who underwent 1-2 ACDF with (n = 13,448) and without (n = 67,235) OUD. Outcomes analyzed included in-hospital LOS, 90-day readmission rates, 90-day medical complications, and costs. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to calculate odds-ratios (OR) for medical complications and readmissions. Welch's t-test was used to test for significance for LOS and cost between the cohorts. An alpha value less than 0.002 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

OUD patients were found to have significantly longer in-hospital LOS compared to their counterparts (3.41 vs. 2.23-days, P < .0001), in addition to higher frequency and odds of requiring readmissions (21.62 vs. 11.57%; OR: 1.38, P < .0001). Study group patients were found to have higher frequency and odds of developing medical complications (0.88 vs. 0.19%, OR: 2.80, P < .0001) and incurred higher episode of care costs ($20,399.62 vs. $16,812.14, P < .0001).

CONCLUSION

The study can help to push orthopaedic surgeons in better managing OUD patients pre-operatively in terms of safe discontinuation and education of opioid drugs and their effects on complications, leading to more satisfactory outcomes.

Preoperative Opioid and Benzodiazepine Use: Influence on Abdominal Surgical Outcomes

BACKGROUND

Preoperative opioid use has shown association with worse outcomes after surgery. However, little is known about the effect of preoperative benzodiazepines with and without opioids. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of preoperative substance use on outcomes after abdominal surgery.

STUDY DESIGN

Patients undergoing abdominal operations including ventral hernia, colectomy, hysterectomy, cholecystectomy, appendectomy, nephrectomy, and hiatal hernia were identified in an opioid surgical steward program by a regional NSQIP consortium between 2019 and 2021. American College of Surgeons NSQIP data were linked with custom substance use variables created by the collaborative. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed for 30-day outcomes.

RESULTS

Of 4,439 patients, 64% (n = 2,847) were women, with a median age of 56 years. The most common operations performed were hysterectomy (22%), ventral hernia repair (22%), and colectomy (21%). Preoperative opioid use was present in 11% of patients (n = 472), 10% (n = 449) were on benzodiazepines, and 2.3% (n = 104) were on both. Serious morbidity was significantly (p < 0.001) increased in patients on preoperative opioids (16% vs 7.9%) and benzodiazepines (14% vs 8.3%) compared with their naïve counterpart and this effect was amplified in patients on both substances (20% vs 7.5%). Multivariable regression analyses reveal that preoperative substance use is an independent risk factor (p < 0.01) for overall morbidity and serious morbidity.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative opioid and benzodiazepine use are independent risk factors that contribute to postoperative morbidity. This influence on surgical outcomes is exacerbated when patients are on both substances.

Team Approach: Use of Opioids in Orthopaedic Practice

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The opioid epidemic represents a serious health burden on patients across the United States.

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This epidemic is particularly pertinent to the field of orthopaedics because it is one of the fields providing the highest volume of opioid prescriptions.

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The use of opioids before orthopaedic surgery has been associated with decreased patient-reported outcomes, increased surgery-related complications, and chronic opioid use.

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Several patient-level factors, such as preoperative opioid consumption and musculoskeletal and mental health conditions, contribute to the prolonged use of opioids after surgery, and various screening tools for identifying high-risk drug use patterns are available.

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The identification of these high-risk patients should be followed by strategies aimed at mitigating opioid misuse, including patient education, opioid use optimization, and a collaborative approach between health care providers.

Problematic opioid use among osteoarthritis patients with chronic post-operative pain after joint replacement: analyses from the BISCUITS study

OBJECTIVES

Opioids are commonly used to manage pain, despite an increased risk of adverse events and complications when used against recommendations. This register study uses data of osteoarthritis (OA) patients with joint replacement surgery to identify and characterize problematic opioid use (POU) prescription patterns.

METHODS

The study population included adult patients diagnosed with OA in specialty care undergoing joint replacement surgery in Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden during 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2014. Those with cancer or OA within three years before the first eligible OA diagnosis were excluded. Patients were allocated into six POU cohorts based on dose escalation, frequency, and dosing of prescription opioids post-surgery (definitions were based on guidelines, previous literature, and clinical experience), and matched on age and sex to patients with opioid use, but not in any of the six cohorts. Data on demographics, non-OA pain diagnoses, cardiovascular diseases, psychiatric disorders, and clinical characteristics were used to study patient characteristics and predictors of POU.

RESULTS

13.7% of patients with OA and a hip/knee joint replacement were classified as problematic users and they had more comorbidities and higher pre-surgery doses of opioids than matches. Patients dispensing high doses of opioids pre-surgery dispensed increased doses post-surgery, a pattern not seen among patients prescribed lower doses pre-surgery. Being dispensed 1-4,500 oral morphine equivalents in the year pre-surgery or having a non-OA pain diagnosis was associated with post-surgery POU (OR: 1.44-1.50, and 1.11-1.20, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the discovered POU predictors, the study suggests that prescribers should carefully assess pain management strategies for patients with a history of comorbidities and pre-operative, long-term opioid use. Healthcare units should adopt risk assessment tools and ensure that these patients are followed up closely. The data also demonstrate potential areas for further exploration in improving patient outcomes and trajectories.

Opioid consumption and non-opioid multimodal analgesic treatment in pain management trials after hip and knee arthroplasties: A meta-epidemiological study

BACKGROUND

The leading principle in peri-operative pain management is multimodal analgesia, which reduces opioid requirements and associated adverse effects. Pragmatic pain trials should optimally test interventions in addition to multimodal non-opioid analgesics and interventions to ensure clinical relevance and baseline levels of opioid consumption that reflect clinical settings. We aimed to investigate opioid consumption and use of non-opioid analgesics administered adjunct to interventions in post-operative pain trials after total hip and knee arthroplasty.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was conducted 7 January 2020 in The Cochrane Library's CENTRAL, PubMed, and EMBASE. Trials investigating analgesic interventions for post-operative pain in adults undergoing total hip or knee arthroplasty were included. The primary outcome was the aggregated median 0-24 h post-operative opioid consumption. Further, we assessed the use of paracetamol, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, gabapentinoids, high-dose glucocorticoids, local infiltration analgesia and nerve blocks administered as co-interventions equally to all participants. We assessed trends over time for all outcomes.

RESULTS

Of 14,200 records, 570 trials were included. Median 0-24 h opioid consumption was 21 and 22 mg iv morphine equivalents in hip and knee arthroplasty trials, respectively. Meta-regression showed no overall linear correlation between opioid consumption and publication year. The use of multimodal non-opioid analgesia increased over time, though only 48% of trials published from 2010 to 2020 administered two or more non-opioid analgesics. Applying more non-opioid analgesics was associated with lower opioid consumption in intervention groups.

CONCLUSION

Post-operative 0-24 h morphine consumption was median 21-22 mg. The demonstrated differences in non-opioid multimodal analgesic regimens between research and clinical settings, can potentially diminish the demonstrated opioid-sparing effects of trial interventions when such are implemented in a clinical context.

Impact of preexisting opioid dependence on morbidity, length of stay, and inpatient cost of urological oncological surgery

OBJECTIVES

To determine the incidence of preexisting opioid dependence in patients undergoing elective urological oncological surgery. In addition, to quantify the impact of preexisting opioid dependence on outcomes and cost of common urologic oncological procedures at a national level in the USA.

METHODS

We used the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) to study 1,609,948 admissions for elective partial/radical nephrectomy, radical prostatectomy, and cystectomy procedures. Trends of preexisting opioid dependence were studied over 2003-2014. We use multivariable-adjusted analysis to compare opioid-dependent patients to those without opioid dependence (reference group) in terms of outcomes, namely major complications, length of stay (LOS), and total cost.

RESULTS

The incidence of opioid dependence steadily increased from 0.6 per 1000 patients in 2003 to 2 per 1000 in 2014. Opioid-dependent patients had a significantly higher rate of major complications (18 vs 10%; p < 0.001) and longer LOS (4 days (IQR 2-7) vs 2 days (IQR 1-4); p < 0.001), when compared to the non-opioid-dependent counterparts. Opioid dependence also increased the overall cost by 48% (adjusted median cost $18,290 [IQR 12,549-27,715] vs. $12,383 [IQR 9225-17,494] in non-opioid-dependent, p < 0.001). Multivariable analysis confirmed the independent association of preexisting opioid dependence with major complications, length of stay in 4th quartile, and total cost in 4th quartile.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of preexisting opioid dependence before elective urological oncology is increasing and is associated with adverse outcomes after surgery. There is a need to further understand the challenges associated with opioid dependence before surgery and identify and optimize these patients to improve outcomes.

Association of Pain Disorder and Psychiatric Disease With Surgical Management of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

OBJECTIVE

Patients undergoing surgical management for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are likely medically distinct from their counterparts not treated surgically. This study examined the associations between psychiatric and pain comorbidities and the likelihood of undergoing sleep surgery.

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective cohort study of adults with OSA.

SETTING

Large integrated healthcare system.

METHODS

The primary outcome was nonnasal, nonbariatric sleep surgery. The associations of baseline demographic and comorbid conditions with surgery to treat underlying OSA were examined using bivariable and multivariable analyses.

RESULTS

Among 172,854 adults with OSA, 2456 received sleep surgery. Comorbid pain disorder and/or pain medication treatment was associated with 41% higher odds of surgery (95% confidence interval: 1.29-1.54). In bivariable analyses, those with a history of headache (p = .004), particularly migraine (p = .003), disorders of adult personality or behavior (p = .025), or behavioral/emotional disorder (p < .001) were more likely to undergo surgery. Younger adults were also more likely to undergo surgery (mean age at diagnosis 39.8 ± 12.6 vs 54.7 ± 14 years), as were men, Asian/Pacific Islander or Hispanic adults, those with lower body mass index (32 ± 7 vs 34.3 ± 8.1 kg/m² ), or those with Charlson Comorbidity Index of zero (p < .001).

CONCLUSION

Our study suggests a history of pain disorder (including receipt of pain medication), migraine, or certain behavioral and personality disorders are associated with an increased likelihood of undergoing sleep surgery. The findings may better characterize comorbid predictors of sleep surgery and potentially help clinicians tailor expectations, postoperative pain management, and overall sleep outcomes.

Accuracy of self-reported opioid use in orthopaedic trauma patients

PURPOSE

Opioids have long been a mainstay of treatment for pain in patients with orthopaedic injuries, but little is known about the accuracy of self-reported narcotic usage in orthopaedic trauma. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the accuracy of self-reported opioid usage in orthopaedic trauma patients.

METHODS

A retrospective review of all new patients presenting to the orthopaedic trauma clinic of a level 1 trauma centre with a chief complaint of recent orthopaedic-related injury over a 2-year time frame was conducted. Participants were administered a survey inquiring about narcotic usage within the prior 3 months. Responses were cross-referenced against a query of a statewide prescription drug monitoring program system.

RESULTS

The study comprised 241 participants; 206 (85.5%) were accurate reporters, while 35 (14.5%) were inaccurate reporters. Significantly increased accuracy was associated with hospital admission prior to clinic visit (β = - 1.33; χ² = 10.68, P < 0.01; OR: 0.07, 95% CI 0.01-0.62). Decreased accuracy was associated with higher pre-visit total morphine equivalent dose (MED) (β = 0.002; χ² = 11.30, P < 0.01), with accurate reporters having significantly lower pre-index visit MED levels compared to underreporters (89.2 ± 208.7 mg vs. 249.6 ± 509.3 mg; P = 0.04). An Emergency Department (ED) visit prior to the index visit significantly predicted underreporting (β = 0.424; χ² = 4.28, P = 0.04; OR: 2.34, 95% CI 1.01-5.38).

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that most new patients presenting to an orthopaedic trauma clinic with acute injury will accurately report their narcotic usage within the preceding 3 months. Prior hospital admissions increased the likelihood of accurate reporting while higher MEDs or an ED visit prior to the initial visit increased the likelihood of underreporting.

Risk factors and trajectories of opioid use following total knee replacement

Background

Opioids are commonly used to manage orthopedic pain in those undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). There are limited studies assessing patterns of perioperative opioid use and risk factors for chronic use in patients undergoing TKA.

Methods

This is a retrospective longitudinal cohort study of Medicaid enrollees undergoing TKA between 2014 and 2017 using de-identified medical and pharmacy claims. The primary outcome was chronic opioid use (opioid prescription filled 90–270 days following TKA). Trajectory group membership was determined by identifying distinct groups of patients with similar patterns of daily morphine milligram equivalent (MME) values during the postsurgery follow-up period.

Results

In total, 1666 TKA surgeries performed in 1507 patients were included; 69% of patients were classified as chronic opioid users. Multivariable analyses identified prior opioid use, high opioid doses during the month after TKA, concomitant mood therapies and benzodiazepines, and comorbid conditions as important risk factors. Group-based trajectory analysis identified five distinct post-TKA surgery opioid use phenotypes with several key characteristics predicting group membership.

Conclusions

This large-scale analysis demonstrated that chronic opioid use was common after TKA surgery and established several important risk factors for chronic use following TKA. Novel analysis revealed five distinct opioid use trajectories and identified key characteristics to help guide clinicians when determining perioperative opioid use. Results demonstrate that interventional studies attempting to reduce opioids after TKA are needed if reductions in long-term use are to be realized in this high-risk patient population.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s43019-022-00148-0.

Movement if Life-Optimizing Patient Access to Total Joint Arthroplasty: Alcohol and Substance Abuse Disparities

Alcohol use disorders (AUDs) and substance use disorders (SUDs) place patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty at notable risk for complications. AUD and SUD disproportionately affect vulnerable communities and often coexist. Following is a discussion of the presence of these disorders in vulnerable populations and approaches to screening for them to optimize care and reduce the risks of joint arthroplasty surgery. 25.1% of American adults report binge drinking in the past year, and 5.8% of American adults carry a diagnosis of AUD. Alcohol consumption and AUD disproportionately affect American Indians/Alaskan Natives, and heavy episodic drinking is highest in Latinx and American Indians. AUD is higher in those who are unemployed, have lower education level, and those who are single/divorced. Alcohol use in the preoperative period is associated with difficulty maintaining blood pressure during surgery, infections, wound disruptions, and increased length of stay. In addition, patients with AUD or unhealthy alcohol use have a greater comorbidity burden, including liver disease and dementia, that predisposes them to poor surgical outcomes. Optimization in these vulnerable populations include proper screening, cessation programs, psychosocial interventions, assessment of support systems, and pharmacologic interventions. 38% of adults battle a drug use disorder. Twenty-one million Americans have at least one addiction, but only 10% receive treatment. Rates of opioid use and opioid-related deaths have continued to rise. Recreational drug use is highest in American Indians. Marijuana use is highest in Black and Latinx lesbian, gay, and bisexual women. Overall, substance use is associated with depression and anxiety; discrimination based on race, ethnicity, sex, or sexual preference is also deeply interwoven with depression, anxiety, and substance use. Preoperative use of opioids is the number one predictor of prolonged chronic postoperative opioid use. Optimization in these vulnerable groups begins with appropriate screening, followed by psychosocial interventions, social work and substance abuse counseling, and pharmacologic therapies.

Prescription Opioid Misuse in Older Adult Surgical Patients: Epidemiology, Prevention, and Clinical Implications

ABSTRACT

The United States and many other developed nations are in the midst of an opioid crisis, with consequent pressure on prescribers to limit opioid prescribing and reduce prescription opioid misuse. This review addresses prescription opioid misuse for older adult surgical populations. We outline the epidemiology and risk factors for persistent opioid use and misuse in older adults undergoing surgery. We also address screening tools and prescription opioid misuse prevention among vulnerable older adult surgical patients (e.g., older adults with a history of an opioid use disorder), followed by clinical management and patient education recommendations. A significant plurality of older adults engaged in prescription opioid misuse obtain opioid medication for misuse from health providers. Thus, nurses can play a critical role in identifying those older adults at a higher risk for misuse and deliver quality care while balancing the need for adequate pain management against the risk for prescription opioid misuse.

The Ramifications of Opioid Utilization and Outcomes of Alternative Pain Control Strategies for Total Knee Arthroplasties

Morbidity and mortality related to opioid use has generated a public health crisis in the United States. Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is an increasingly common procedure and is often accompanied by post-operative opioid utilization. Unfortunately, post-operative opioid usage after TKA has been shown to lead to higher rates of complications, longer hospital stays, increased costs, and more frequent need for revision surgery. Pre-operative opioid utilization has been shown to be one of the most important predictors of post-operative opioid usage. Additional risk factors for continued post-operative opioid utilization after TKA include pre-operative substance and tobacco use as well as higher post-operative prescription dosages, younger age, female gender, and Medicaid insurance. One method for mitigating excessive post-operative opioid utilization are Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols, which include a multidisciplinary approach that focuses on perioperative factors to optimize patient recovery and function after surgery. Additional strategies include multimodal pain regimens with epidural anesthetics, extended duration local anesthetics and adjuvants, and ultrasound guided peripheral nerve blocks. In recent years, opioid prescribing duration limitations have also been put into place by state and federal government, hospital systems, and ambulatory surgery centers making effective acute pain management imperative for all stakeholders. In this regard, as rates of TKA continue to increase across the United States, multidisciplinary efforts by all stakeholders are needed to ensure adequate pain control while preventing the negative sequalae of opioid medications.

The Accuracy of In-State Prescription Monitoring Program Database and Electronic Medical Records Compared to Urine Toxicology Screening in Total Joint Arthroplasty Preoperative Evaluation

Preoperative narcotic use is associated with poor postoperative pain management and worse outcomes after total joint arthroplasty (TJA). Therefore, identifying controlled substance use preoperatively is necessary. Electronic medical records (EMRs), prescription monitoring programs (PMP), or urine toxicology screening (UTS) are most commonly used. This study aims to compare the accuracy of EMR and PMP versus UTS to determine whether UTS should be implemented as standard of care in TJA preoperative assessment. Preoperative UTS was performed for primary or revision TJA from November 1, 2018, to March 31, 2019. Patient demographics, medical history, prescription history, and UTS results were retrospectively recorded. Prescription monitoring program and EMR were queried for prescription history in the past 2 years. The accuracy of EMR and PMP compared with UTS was calculated. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify patient predictors associated with UTS+. Thirty of 148 patients had UTS+. Positive urine toxicology screening was more common in patients younger than 58 years, White race, and undergoing revision surgery. Electronic medical record and PMP documentation had the highest sensitivity (73.3%), specificity (92.4%), positive predictive value (71.0%), and negative predictive value (93.2%). Patients with higher odds of UTS+ include current/former smokers, those with a history of alcohol abuse, drug abuse, hepatitis C diagnosis, and mental illness. For patients without any risk factors for having a UTS+, the use of EMR and PMP may be sufficient to evaluate for controlled substance use; however, UTS should be considered in patients who present with one of the risk factors for UTS+.

Preoperative Opioid Use in Patients Undergoing Common Hand Surgeries

BACKGROUND

The objectives of this study were to determine the baseline patient characteristics associated with preoperative opioid use and to establish whether preoperative opioid use is associated with baseline patient-reported outcome measures in patients undergoing common hand surgeries.

METHODS

Patients undergoing common hand surgeries from 2015 to 2018 were retrospectively reviewed from a prospective orthopedic registry at a single academic institution. Medical records were reviewed to determine whether patients were opioid users versus nonusers. On enrollment in the registry, patients completed 6 Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) domains (Physical Function, Pain Interference, Fatigue, Social Satisfaction, Anxiety, and Depression), the Brief Michigan Hand Questionnaire (BMHQ), a surgical expectations questionnaire, and Numeric Pain Scale (NPS). Statistical analysis included multivariable regression to determine whether preoperative opioid use was associated with patient characteristics and preoperative scores on patient-reported outcome measures.

RESULTS

After controlling for covariates, an analysis of 353 patients (opioid users, n = 122; nonusers, n = 231) showed that preoperative opioid use was associated with higher American Society of Anesthesiologists class (odds ratio [OR], 2.88), current smoking (OR, 1.91), and lower body mass index (OR, 0.95). Preoperative opioid use was also associated with significantly worse baseline PROMIS scores across 6 domains, lower BMHQ scores, and NPS hand scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative opioid use is common in hand surgery patients with a rate of 35%. Preoperative opioid use is associated with multiple baseline patient characteristics and is predictive of worse baseline scores on patient-reported outcome measures. Future studies should determine whether such associations persist in the postoperative setting between opioid users and nonusers.

A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial of Methylprednisolone for Postoperative Pain Management of Surgically Treated Distal Radius Fractures

PURPOSE

Perioperative glucocorticoids have been effectively used as a pain management regimen for reducing pain after hand surgery. We hypothesize that a methylprednisolone taper (MPT) course following surgery will reduce pain and opioid consumption in the early postoperative period.

METHODS

This study was a randomized controlled trial of patients undergoing surgical fixation for distal radius fracture. Before surgery, patients were randomly assigned to receive preoperative dexamethasone only or preoperative dexamethasone followed by a 6-day oral MPT. Patient pain and opioid consumption data were collected for 7 days after surgery using a patient-reported pain journal.

RESULTS

Our study consisted of 56 patients enrolled from November 2018 to March 2020. Twenty-eight patients each were assigned to the control and treatment groups. Demographic characteristics such as age, body mass index, the dominant side affected, smoking status, diabetes status, and current narcotic use were similar between the control and treatment groups. With a noticeable, significant reduction starting on postoperative day 2, patients who received an MPT course consumed substantially less opioids during the first 7 days (7.8 ± 7.2 pills compared with 15.5 ± 11.5 pills, a 50% reduction). These patients also consumed significantly fewer oral morphine equivalents than the control group (81.2 vs 41.2). A significant difference in the pain visual analog scale scores between the 2 groups was noted starting on postoperative day 2, with 48% of the treatment group reporting no pain by postoperative day 6. No adverse events, including infection or complications of wound or bone healing, were seen in either group.

CONCLUSIONS

There was an early improvement in pain and reduction in early opioid consumption with a 6-day MPT following surgical fixation for distal radius fracture. With no increased risk of adverse events in our sample, MPT may be a safe and effective way to reduce postoperative pain.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic II.

Opioid use and patient outcomes in an Australian hip and knee arthroplasty cohort

Background

To determine the prevalence of opioid use in Australian hip (THA) or knee (TKA) cohort, and its association with outcomes.

Methods

About 837 primary THA or TKA subjects prospectively completed Oxford Scores, and Knee or Hip Osteoarthritis Outcomes Score(KOOS/HOOS) and opioid use in the previous week before arthroplasty. Subjects repeated the baseline survey at 6 months, with additional questions regarding satisfaction.

Results

Opioid use was reported by 19% preoperatively and 7% at 6 months. Opioid use was 46% at 6 weeks and 10% at 6 months after TKR, and 16% at 6 weeks and 4% at 6 months after THR. Preoperative opioid use was associated with back pain(OR 2.2, P = 0.006), anxiety or depression(OR 1.8, P = 0.001) and Oxford knee scores <30(OR 5.6, P = 0.021) in TKA subjects, and females in THA subjects(OR 1.7, P = 0.04). There was no difference between preoperative opioid users and non‐users for satisfaction, or KOOS or HOOS scores at 6 months. 77% of patients taking opioids before surgery had ceased by 6 months, and 3% of preoperative non users reported opioid use at 6 months. Opioid use at 6 months was associated with preoperative use (OR 6.6–14.7, P < 0.001), and lower 6 month oxford scores (OR 4.4–83.6, P < 0.01).

Conclusion

One in five used opioids before arthroplasty. Pre‐operative opioid use was the strongest risk factor for opioid use at 6 months, increasing odds 7–15 times. Prolonged opioid use was rarely observed in the opioid naïve (<5% TKA and 1% THA). Preoperative opioid use was not associated with inferior outcomes or satisfaction.

Preoperative Patient Optimization in Total Joint Arthroplasty-The Paradigm Shift from Preoperative Clearance: A Narrative Review

Background: Total joint arthroplasty (TJA) is one of the most common procedures performed in the United States. Outcomes of this elective procedure may be improved via preoperative optimization of modifiable risk factors. Purposes: We sought to summarize the literature on the clinical implications of preoperative risk factors in TJA and to develop recommendations regarding preoperative optimization of these risk factors. Methods: We searched PubMed in August 2019 with an update in September 2020 for English-language, peer-reviewed publications assessing the influence on outcomes in total hip and knee replacement of 7 preoperative risk factors-obesity, malnutrition, hypoalbuminemia, diabetes, anemia, smoking, and opioid use-and recommendations to mitigate them. Results: Sixty-nine studies were identified, including 3 randomized controlled trials, 8 prospective cohort studies, 42 retrospective studies, 6 systematic reviews, 3 narrative reviews, and 7 consensus guidelines. These studies described worse outcomes associated with these 7 risk factors, including increased rates of in-hospital complications, transfusions, periprosthetic joint infections, revisions, and deaths. Recommendations for strategies to screen and address these risk factors are provided. Conclusions: Risk factors can be optimized, with evidence suggesting the following thresholds prior to surgery: a body mass index <40 kg/m², serum albumin ≥3.5 g/dL, hemoglobin A1C ≤7.5%, hemoglobin >12.0 g/dL in women and >13.0 g/dL in men, and smoking cessation and ≥50% decrease in opioid use by 4 weeks prior to surgery. Surgery should be delayed until these risk factors are adequately optimized.

Effects of hypnosis versus enhanced standard of care on postoperative opioid use after total knee arthroplasty: the HYPNO-TKA randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Hypnosis decreases perioperative pain and has opioid-sparing potential but has not been rigorously studied in knee arthroplasty. This trial investigates the impact of perioperative hypnosis on inpatient opioid use following total knee arthroplasty.

METHODS

This prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted at a single academic medical center. The hypnosis arm underwent a scripted 10 min hypnosis session prior to surgery and had access to the recorded script. The control arm received hypnosis education only. The primary outcome was opioid use in milligram oral morphine equivalents per 24 hours during hospital admission. A secondary analysis was performed for patients taking opioids preoperatively.

RESULTS

64 primary knee arthroplasty patients were randomized 1:1 to hypnosis (n=31) versus control (n=33) and included in the intent-to-treat analysis. The mean (SD) postoperative opioid use in oral morphine equivalents per 24 hours was 70.5 (48.4) in the hypnosis versus 90.7 (74.4) in the control arm, a difference that was not statistically significant (difference -20.1; 95% CI -51.8 to 11.4; p=0.20). In the subgroup analysis of the opioid-experienced patients, there was a 54% daily reduction in opioid use in the hypnosis group (82.4 (56.2) vs 179.1 (74.5) difference of -96.7; 95% CI -164.4 to -29.0; p=<0.01), equivalent to sparing 65 mg of oxycodone per day.

CONCLUSION

Perioperative hypnosis significantly reduced inpatient opioid use among opioid-experienced patients only. A larger study examining these findings is warranted.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT03308071.

Scientometric Analysis of the Top 50 Most-Cited Joint Arthroplasty Papers: Traditional vs Altmetric Measures

Background

Material and methods

Results

Conclusion

A Multidisciplinary Transitional Pain Management Program Is Associated With Reduced Opioid Dependence After Primary Total Joint Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Overprescription of opioids after total joint arthroplasty (TJA) increases risks of opioid dependence, overdose, and death. The authors hypothesized that a multidisciplinary, perioperative pain management program (the Transitional Pain Service or TPS) for TJA would lead to fewer patients becoming opioid dependent.

METHODS

A TPS was implemented at a Veterans Affairs Medical Center focused on nonopioid pain management, cessation support, and prospective data tracking. A historical control, interventional study design was used to assess opioid use at 90 days post-discharge. Secondary analysis of the implementation group included post-operative outcome scores, time to opioid cessation, and median opioid tablets consumed at 90 days.

RESULTS

Fewer patients in the TPS group demonstrated persistent opioid use at 90 days post-discharge (0.7% vs 9.9%; P = .004). Independent predictors of total opioid tablet prescriptions included TPS (β = -19.41; 95% confidence interval [CI] -35.37 to -3.47), number of tablets prescribed at discharge (β = 1.08; 95% CI 0.86-1.31), and TKA surgery (β = 16.84; 95% CI 4.58-29.10). Under the TPS, median tablets consumed was 20.5 for THA and 36.5 for TKA; median time to cessation was shorter in THA (7 days; 95% CI 2-10) when compared to TKA (13 days; 95% CI 11-16).

CONCLUSION

In opioid-naïve veterans undergoing TJA, the TPS was associated with a 93% reduction in opioid dependence and a 60% reduction in opioid tablet prescriptions at 90 days post-discharge. Under the TPS, median 90-day opioid consumption was 20.5 and 36.5 tablets for THA and TKA, respectively. Widespread adoption of similar programs may greatly reduce opioid use and dependence in orthopedic patients nationally.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

John N. Insall Award: MARCQI's Pain-Control Optimization Pathway (POP): Impact of Registry Data and Education on Opioid Utilization

BACKGROUND

In 2019, the Michigan Arthroplasty Registry Collaborative Quality Initiative (MARCQI) recommended an evidence-based opioid pain pathway to participating physicians and hospitals for patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty (TJA). The purpose of this study was to determine if the education could influence and have lasting effects on the prescribing patterns for TJA patients.

METHODS

Using the MARCQI database, the number of oral morphine equivalents (OMEs) prescribed at discharge were collected from January 2018 through December 2019 for all primary arthroplasty procedures. Periods compared included before and after July 2018 Michigan opioid laws as well as before and after the March 2019 MARCQI recommendations. The data compared total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients, opioid-naive vs opioid-tolerant patients, individual surgeons, and MARCQI sites.

RESULTS

The data included 84,998 TJAs: 22,774 opioid-naive THAs, 9124 opioid-tolerant THAs, 40,882 opioid-naive TKAs, and 12,218 opioid-tolerant TKAs. In all the groups and at all time periods there were a significant decrease in prescriptions (P < .001). Individual surgeons and participating sites also demonstrated decreased OMEs on discharge after the recommendations. Between the first and last months of collection, this represented an overall decrease of opioid OMEs for THA by 47.1% for opioid-naive patients and 53.4% for opioid-tolerant patients. For TKA patients, the OME decrease was 48.3% for opioid-naive patients, and 48.4% for opioid-tolerant patients.

CONCLUSION

The MARCQI pain control optimization pathway (POP) program has been successful in drastically reducing opioid prescribing with lasting effects, which has substantially limited the overall opioid prescription burden for patients undergoing arthroplasty.

Opioid Use Consequences, Governmental Strategies, and Alternative Pain Control Techniques Following Total Hip Arthroplasties

Over the last several decades, rates of opioid use and associated problems have dramatically increased in the United States leading to laws limiting prescription duration for acute pain management. As a result, orthopedic surgeons who perform total hip arthroplasty (THA), a procedure that often leads to significant postoperative pain, have been faced with substantial challenges to adequately mitigate patient pain while also reducing opioid intake. Current strategies include identifying and correcting modifiable risk factors associated with postoperative opioid use such as preoperative opioid use, alcohol and tobacco abuse, and untreated psychiatric illness. Additionally, recent evidence has emerged in the form of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols suggesting that a multidisciplinary focus on patient factors perioperatively can lead to reduced postoperative opioid administration and decreased hospital stays. A cornerstone of ERAS protocols includes multimodal pain regimens with opioid rescue only as needed, which often includes multiple systemic pain therapies such as acetaminophen, gabapentin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, as well as targeted pain therapies that include epidural catheters and ultrasound-guided nerve blocks. Many hospital systems and states have also implemented opioid prescribing limitations with mixed success. As the opioid epidemic continues in the United States, while contributing to poor outcomes following elective surgeries, further research is warranted to identify multidisciplinary strategies that mitigate opioid use while also allowing for adequate pain control and rehabilitation.

Impact of preoperative opioid use on patient-reported outcomes following primary total knee arthroplasty

PURPOSE

The previous literature suggests that 25-30% of patients who undergo total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are using opioids prior to their surgery. This study aims to investigate the effect of preoperative opioid use on clinical outcomes and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) following TKA.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 329 patients who underwent primary TKA from 2019 to 2020, answered the preoperative opioid survey, and had available PROMs. Patients were stratified into two groups based on whether they were taking opioids preoperatively or not: 26 patients with preoperative opioid use (8%) and 303 patients without preoperative opioid use (92%) were identified. Demographics, clinical data, and PROMs [Forgotten Joint Score (FJS-12), Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score for Joint Replacement (KOOS, JR), and Veterans RAND-12 Physical and Mental components (VR-12 PCS and MCS)] were collected. Demographic differences were assessed with Chi-square and independent sample t-tests. Outcomes were compared using multilinear regression analysis, controlling for demographic differences.

RESULTS

Preoperative opioid users had a significantly longer length-of-stay (2.74 vs. 2.10; p = 0.010), surgical time (124.65 vs. 105.69; p < 0.001), and were more likely to be African-American (38.5 vs. 14.2%; p = 0.010) compared to preoperative opioid-naive patients. Postoperative FJS-12 did not statistically differ between the two groups. While preoperative KOOS, JR scores were significantly lower for preoperative opioid users (41.10 vs. 46.63; p = 0.043), they did not significantly differ postoperatively. Preoperative VR-12 PCS did not statistically differ between the groups; however, both 3-month (33.87 vs. 38.41; p = 0.049) and 1-year (36.01 vs. 44.73; p = 0.043) scores were significantly lower for preoperative opioid users. Preoperative VR-12 MCS was significantly lower for preoperative opioid users (46.06 vs. 51.06; p = 0.049), though not statistically different postoperatively.

CONCLUSION

At 8%, our study population had a lower percentage of opioid users than previously reported in the literature. Preoperative opioid users had longer operative times and length of stay compared to preoperatively opioid-naive patients. While both cohorts achieved similar clinical benefits following TKA, preoperative opioid users reported lower postoperative scores with respect to VR-12 PCS scores.

LEVEL III EVIDENCE

Retrospective Cohort.

Outpatient Opioid Prescribing Habits in Pediatric Patients With Bone Sarcomas After Undergoing Primary Tumor Resection

BACKGROUND

The majority of children with bone sarcomas experience pain. Opioids remain the mainstay treatment of cancer-related pain in children. The patterns of outpatient opioid prescription after surgery for primary bone sarcomas remains unknown. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the patterns of outpatient opioid prescription in patients with bone sarcomas after resection of the primary tumor, and to assess for factors that may lead to increased opioid dosing in these patients.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of 28 patients with bone sarcomas undergoing primary tumor resection was performed. Demographic, medical, surgical, and pharmacological data was collected from all patients. The total morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs) prescribed after patient discharge were compared at 30-day intervals. The MMEs were then stratified by tumor location, presence of metastasis at time of surgery, and preoperative opioid use. Independent predictors of increased 30-day and total 120-day opioid utilization were evaluated.

RESULTS

Patients with preoperative opioid use were prescribed significantly more opioids in every 30-day postoperative interval and for the 120-day total. When stratified by tumor location, patients with primary tumors in the pelvis had significantly greater postoperative opioid utilization when compared with patients with tumors located in the lower and upper extremities during postoperative days 61 to 90 (5970 vs. 1060.4 and 0 MMEs, respectively, P=0.048) and during postoperative days 91 to 120 (6450 vs. 829.6 and 0 MMEs, respectively, P=0.015). Older age, diagnosis of osteosarcoma, increased length of stay postoperatively and presence of metastases were associated with a higher 30-day postoperative opioid utilization.

CONCLUSION

Multiple factors were associated with increased opioid use including preoperative opioid use, longer postoperative stay in the hospital, metastatic disease, and primary sarcomas in the pelvis. The patient's sex, body mass index, race, type of insurance, type of surgery performed, reoperation during the same admission and use of nonopioid adjuvants had no effect on opioid use. The results of this study can be used to stratify the average opioid requirement of pediatric patients undergoing primary bone sarcoma resection.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV.