Opioids in Total Joint Arthroplasty: Moving Forward

Preoperative Opioid Use Predicts Postoperative Opioid Use and Inferior Clinically Notable Outcomes After Total Shoulder Arthroplasty

INTRODUCTION

Preoperative opioid use (OU) may negatively affect outcomes after total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). This study aims to evaluate the influence of preoperative OU on achievement of midterm clinically notable outcomes (CSOs) after TSA and identify factors associated with prolonged postoperative OU and persistent pain after TSA.

METHODS

Using a single-institution, prospectively collected TSA registry, we retrospectively identified patients who underwent surgery between 2014 and 2019. Subjects were stratified into two cohorts: preoperative OU within 12 months of surgery and opioid naive (N-OU) patients. Minimum 1-year postoperative scores and achievement of CSOs patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), as well as predictors of postoperative OU and persistent pain, were analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 817 patients were included with 706 patients in the N-OU cohort and 111 patients in the OU cohort. Although both patients in the N-OU and OU cohorts showed statistically significant improvements at the 1-year follow-up, absolute PROM scores were less favorable in the OU cohort (all P < 0.05). Preoperative opioid users were significantly less likely to achieve minimal clinically important difference (odds ratios [ORs]: 0.47 to 2.4, all P < 0.05) and patient acceptable symptomatic state (ORs: 0.41 to 2.12, all P < 0.05) on the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon, Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation, Constant-Murley Shoulder Score, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain, Veterans Rand 12-Item Health Survey, Short-Form 12-Item Health Survey, and Veterans Rand 6D and substantial clinical benefit (OR: 0.50 to 0.56, P < 0.05) on the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon and Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation. Preoperative OU significantly predicted increased OU at 6 months (OR: 7.11, P = 0.009) and 1-year follow-up (OR: 40.23, P < 0.001) and persistent pain at 1 year (OR: 2.37, P = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Preoperative OU markedly correlated with worse PROMs at 1 year postoperatively. Although preoperative opioid users demonstrate improvement in functional-related and health-related quality-of-life PROMs after TSA, they are markedly less likely to achieve CSOs and were more likely to report persistent pain and continued OU at 6-month and 1-year follow-ups. Opioid users undergoing TSA should be counseled regarding their expected outcomes, and preventive measures should aim to limit prolonged OU/abuse after surgery.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, retrospective cohort study.

The Efficacy and Safety of Opioids in Total Joint Arthroplasty: Systematic Review and Direct Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Opioids are frequently used to treat pain after total joint arthroplasty (TJA). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of opioids in primary TJA to support the combined clinical practice guidelines of the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Hip Society, Knee Society, and the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Management.

METHODS

The MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of controlled trials were searched for studies published before November 2018 on opioids in TJA. All included studies underwent qualitative and quantitative homogeneity testing followed by a systematic review and direct comparison meta-analysis to assess the efficacy and safety of opioids.

RESULTS

Preoperative opioid use leads to increased opioid consumption and complications after TJA along with a higher risk of chronic opioid use and inferior patient-reported outcomes. Scheduled opioids administered preemptively, intraoperatively, or postoperatively reduce the need for additional opioids for breakthrough pain. Prescribing fewer opioid pills after discharge is associated with equivalent functional outcomes and decreased opioid consumption. Tramadol reduces postoperative opioid consumption but increases the risk of postoperative nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, and dizziness.

CONCLUSION

Moderate evidence supports the use of opioids in TJA to reduce postoperative pain and opioid consumption. Opioids should be used cautiously as they may increase the risk of complications, such as respiratory depression and sedation, especially if combined with other central nervous system depressants or used in the elderly.

A Goal-directed Quality Improvement Initiative to Reduce Opioid Prescriptions After Orthopaedic Procedures

Orthopaedic surgeons are increasingly aware of deleterious effects of the opioid epidemic and the association between overprescription and diversion toward nonmedical opioid use or substance abuse. Opiate prescriptions at the time of hospital discharge have been identified as target for intervention. This study describes the successful outcome of a goal-directed intervention aimed at decreasing opioid overprescription by providing routine feedback to providers regarding their prescribing patterns.