A systematic review of opioid use after extremity trauma in orthopedic surgery

Can Patient-centered Education and Pain Management Delivered by Coaches Improve Pain Outcomes After Orthopaedic Trauma? A Randomized Trial

BACKGROUND

Pain after orthopaedic trauma is complex, and many patients who have experienced orthopaedic trauma are at increased risk for prolonged opioid utilization after the injury. Patient-centered interventions capable of delivering enhanced education and opioid-sparing pain management approaches must be implemented and evaluated in trauma care settings to improve pain outcomes and minimize opioid-related risks.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

Does personalized pain education and management delivered by coaches (1) improve pain-related outcomes, (2) reduce opioid consumption, and (3) improve patient-reported outcome measures (Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System [PROMIS] scores) compared to written discharge instructions on pain management and opioid safety?

METHODS

This clinical trial aimed to examine the effect of a personalized pain education and management intervention, delivered by paraprofessional coaches, on pain-related outcomes and opioid consumption compared with usual care (written discharge instructions on pain management and opioid safety). Between February 2021 and September 2022, 212 patients were randomized to the intervention (49% [104]) or control group (51% [108]). A total of 31% (32 of 104) and 47% (51 of 108) in those groups, respectively, were lost before the minimum study follow-up of 12 weeks or had incomplete datasets, leaving 69% (72 of 104) and 53% (57 of 108) for analysis in the intervention and control group, respectively. Patients randomized to the intervention worked with the paraprofessional coaches throughout hospitalization after their orthopaedic injury and at their 2-, 6-, and 12-week visits with the surgical team after discharge to implement mindfulness-based practices and nonpharmacological interventions. Most participants in the final sample of 129 identified as Black (73% [94 of 129]) and women (56% [72 of 129]), the mean Injury Severity score was 8 ± 4, and one-third of participants were at medium to high risk for an opioid-use disorder based on the Opioid Risk Tool. Participants completed surveys during hospitalization and at the 2-, 6-, and 12-week follow-up visits. Surveys included average pain intensity scores over the past 24 hours measured on the pain numeric rating scale from 0 to 10 and PROMIS measures (physical functioning, pain interference, sleep disturbance). Opioid utilization, measured as daily morphine milligram equivalents, was collected from the electronic health record, and demographic and clinical characteristics were collected from self-report surveys. Groups were compared in terms of mean pain scores at the 12-week follow-up, daily morphine milligram equivalents both during inpatient and at discharge, and mean PROMIS scores at 12 weeks of follow-up. Additionally, differences in the proportion of participants in each group achieving minimum clinically important differences (MCID) on pain and PROMIS scores were examined. For pain scores, an MCID of 2 points on the pain numeric rating scale assessing past 24-hour pain intensity was utilized.

RESULTS

We found no difference between the intervention and control in terms of mean pain score at 12 weeks nor in the proportions of patients who achieved the MCID of 2 points for 24-hour average pain scores (85% [61 of 72] versus 72% [41 of 57], respectively, OR 2.2 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.9 to 5.3]; p = 0.08). No differences were noted in daily morphine milligram equivalents utilized between the intervention and control groups during hospitalization, at discharge, or in prescription refills. Similarly, we observed no differences in the proportions of patients in the intervention and control groups who achieved the MCID on PROMIS Physical Function (81% [58 of 72] versus 63% [36 of 57], respectively, OR 2.2 [95% CI 0.9 to 5.2]; p = 0.06). We saw no differences in the proportions of patients who achieved the MCID on PROMIS Sleep Disturbance between the intervention and control groups (58% [42 of 72] versus 47% [27 of 57], respectively, OR 1.4 [95% CI 0.7 to 3.0]; p = 0.31). The proportion of patients who achieved the MCID on PROMIS Pain Interference scores did not differ between the intervention and the control groups (39% [28 of 72] versus 37% [21 of 57], respectively, OR 1.1 [95% CI 0.5 to 2.1]; p = 0.95).

CONCLUSION

In this trial, we observed no differences between the intervention and control groups in terms of pain outcomes, opioid medication utilization, or patient-reported outcomes after orthopaedic trauma. However, future targeted research with diverse samples of patients at increased risk for poor postoperative outcomes is warranted to ascertain a potentially meaningful patient perceived effect on pain outcomes after working with coaches. Other investigators interested in this interventional approach may consider the coach program as a framework at their institutions to increase access to evidence-based nonpharmacological interventions among patients who are at increased risk for poor postoperative pain outcomes. Smaller, more focused programs connecting patients to coaches to learn about nonpharmacological pain management interventions may deliver a larger impact on patient's recovery and outcomes.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level I, therapeutic study.

Predicting Persistent Opioid Use after Hand Surgery: A Machine Learning Approach

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of machine learning to predict persistent opioid use after hand surgery.

METHODS

The authors trained 2 algorithms to predict persistent opioid use, first using a general surgery data set and then using a hand surgery data set, resulting in 4 trained models. Next, the authors tested each model's performance using hand surgery data. Participants included adult surgery patients enrolled in a cohort study at an academic center from 2015 to 2018. The first algorithm (Michigan Genomics Initiative model) was designed to accommodate patient-reported data and patients with or without prior opioid use. The second algorithm (claims model) was designed for insurance claims data from patients who were opioid-naive only. The main outcome was model discrimination, measured by area under the receiver operating curve (AUC).

RESULTS

Of 889 hand surgery patients, 49% were opioid-naive and 21% developed persistent opioid use. Most patients underwent soft-tissue procedures (55%) or fracture repair (20%). The Michigan Genomics Initiative model had AUCs of 0.84 when trained only on hand surgery data, and 0.85 when trained on the full cohort of surgery patients. The claims model had AUCs of 0.69 when trained only on hand surgery data, and 0.52 when trained on the opioid-naive cohort of surgery patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Opioid use is common after hand surgery. Machine learning has the potential to facilitate identification of patients who are at risk for prolonged opioid use, which can promote early interventions to prevent addiction.

An Applied Study of Ulinastatin in Pain Management After Hip Replacement: Impact on Opioid Use

Background

Due to the global prevalence of opioid drugs, postsurgical prescriptions can lead to substantial opioid consumption, highlighting the increasing need for alternative medications. Alternative medicines can markedly lessen the usage of opioids after surgery, but the variety and notable side effects of these alternatives require meticulous experimental support.

Objective

This study explored the efficacy and safety of ulinastatin for alleviating postsurgical pain, for reducing the need for opioids, and for inclusion in conventional treatment methods.

Methods

A total of 108 patients undergoing elective hip replacement were randomly allocated into either the experimental group (56 cases, standard pain relief treatment plus 60 IU ulinastatin) or the control group (40 cases, standard pain relief treatment). The main outcomes measured were the total consumption of opioids at 24, 48, and 72 h postoperatively. Secondary outcomes comprised patient-reported pain indices and levels of satisfaction with pain control. The frequency of adverse events evaluated medication safety.

Results

There were no statistically significant differences in age, sex, or underlying diseases between the two groups. Over 24 hours, opioid consumption was higher in the standard treatment group (66.6 mg; mean difference [MD]: 4.43 mg; 95% CI: 57.6-75.5) than in the intervention group (54.5 mg; MD: 1.91 mg; 95% CI: 50.7-58.3). The standard treatment group exhibited a notably higher incidence of adverse reactions. However, there was no disparity in post-discharge satisfaction between the groups, with an odds ratio of 1.058 (95% CI: 0.62-1.82; P > 0.05). Additionally, significant differences in C-reactive protein levels were observed immediately and 6 h after surgery between the two groups.

Conclusion

Within 72 h post-surgery, ulinastatin was effective in substantially reducing the use of opioids while maintaining adequate pain control. Ulinastatin may be beneficial for postoperative pain management and for reducing the risks associated with opioid use.

Registered

ClinicalTrials.gov ChiCTR2300072126.

Understanding the epidemiology and perceived efficacy of cannabis use in patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain

BACKGROUND

The belief that cannabis has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties continues to attract patients with chronic musculoskeletal (MSK) pain towards its use. However, the role that cannabis will play in the management of chronic MSK pain remains to be determined. This study examined 1) the rate, patterns of use, and self-reported efficacy of cannabis use among patients with chronic MSK pain and 2) the interest and potential barriers to cannabis use among patients with chronic MSK pain not currently using cannabis.

METHODS

Self-reported cannabis use and perceived efficacy were prospectively collected from chronic MSK pain patients presenting to the Orthopaedic Clinic at the University Health Network, Toronto, Canada. The primary dependent variable was current or past use of cannabis to manage chronic MSK pain; bivariate and multivariable logistic regression were used to identify patient characteristics independently associated with this outcome. Secondary outcomes were summarized descriptively, including self-perceived efficacy among cannabis users, and interest as well as barriers to cannabis use among cannabis non-users.

RESULTS

The sample included 629 patients presenting with chronic MSK pain (mean age: 56±15.7 years; 56% female). Overall, 144 (23%) reported past or present cannabis use to manage their MSK pain, with 63.7% perceiving cannabis as very or somewhat effective and 26.6% considering it as slightly effective. The strongest predictor of cannabis use in this study population was a history of recreational cannabis use (OR 12.7, p<0.001). Among cannabis non-users (N=489), 65% expressed interest in using cannabis to manage their chronic MSK pain, but common barriers to use included lack of knowledge regarding access, use and evidence, and stigma.

CONCLUSIONS

One in five patients presenting to an orthopaedic surgeon with chronic MSK pain are using or have used cannabis with the specific intent to manage their pain, and most report it to be effective. Among non-users, two-thirds reported an interest in using cannabis to manage their MSK pain, but common barriers to use existed. Future double-blind placebo-controlled trials are required to understand if this reported efficacy is accurate, and what role, if any, cannabis may play in the management of chronic MSK pain.

The influence of guidelines on opioid prescribing practices after pe-diatric anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

OBJECTIVE

To report opioid prescription patterns after pediatric anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) and identify if the implementation of the opioid prescribing guidelines (OPGs) modified these patterns.

DESIGN

A retrospective chart review.

SETTING

Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Center.

PATIENTS

Pediatric patients who underwent primary ACLR at a single pediatric hospital system between the years 2016 and 2018 were included. Patients were excluded if they did not receive an opioid prescription from an orthopedic provider at the time of discharge or if they underwent an additional operative procedure within 90 days of the index surgery. Eighty-six patients met the criteria for a retrospective review.

INTERVENTIONS

Opioid prescriptions were converted into morphine equivalent doses (MEDs) for standardization.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

The average MED prescribed at the time of discharge and during follow-up visits for pediatric patients undergoing ACLR.

RESULTS

Patient's age was the only independent variable that had a significant relationship with discharge MED (p = 0.002) and predicted that MED at discharge increases by 20.7 units [confidence interval = 12.3-29.1] for each increasing year in patient age. Discharge MED prescribed after implementation of the OPG was found to be significantly less than discharge MED prescribed prior to the OPG through Wilcoxon rank-sum test (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Implementation of the OPG in Ohio led to a significant reduction in opioid doses prescribed to patients at all time points within 90 days of ACLR. However, these guidelines also led to a significant increase in the likelihood that post-OPG patients would receive an additional opioid prescription during follow-up within 90 days of surgery.

Opioid utilization after orthopaedic trauma hospitalization among Medicaid-insured adults

Opioids are vital to pain management and sedation after trauma-related hospitalization. However, there are many confounding clinical, social, and environmental factors that exacerbate pain, post-injury care needs, and receipt of opioid prescriptions following orthopaedic trauma. This retrospective study sought to characterize differences in opioid prescribing and dosing in a national Medicaid eligible sample from 2010-2018. The study population included adults, discharged after orthopaedic trauma hospitalization, and receiving an opioid prescription within 30 days of discharge. Patients were identified using the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-9; ICD-10) codes for inpatient diagnosis and procedure. Filled opioid prescriptions were identified from National Drug Codes and converted to morphine milligram equivalents (MME). Opioid receipt and dosage (e.g., morphine milligram equivalents [MME]) were examined as the main outcomes using regressions and analyzed by year, sex, race/ethnicity, residence rurality-urbanicity, and geographic region. The study population consisted of 86,091 injured Medicaid-enrolled adults; 35.3% received an opioid prescription within 30 days of discharge. Male patients (OR = 1.12, 95% CI: 1.07-1.18) and those between 31-50 years of age (OR = 1.15, 95% CI: 1.08-1.22) were found to have increased odds ratio of receiving an opioid within 30 days of discharge, compared to female and younger patients, respectively. Patients with disabilities (OR = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.71-0.80), prolonged hospitalizations, and both Black (OR = 0.87, 95% CI: 0.83-0.92) and Hispanic patients (OR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.66-0.77), relative to white patients, had lower odds ratio of receiving an opioid prescription following trauma. Additionally, Black and Hispanic patients received lower prescription doses compared to white patients. Individuals hospitalized in the Southeastern United States and those between the ages of 51-65 age group were found to be prescribed lower average daily MME. There were significant variations in opioid prescribing practices by race, sex, and region. National guidelines for use of opioids and other pain management interventions in adults after trauma hospitalization may help limit practice variation and reduce implicit bias and potential harms in outpatient opioid usage.

An opioid-minimizing multimodal pain regimen reduces opioid exposure and pain in trauma-injured patients at high risk for opioid misuse: Secondary analysis from the mast trial

BACKGROUND

Screening to identify patients at risk for opioid misuse after trauma is recommended but not commonly used to guide perioperative opioid management interventions. The Multimodal Analgesic Strategies for Trauma trial demonstrated that an opioid-minimizing multimodal pain regimen reduced opioid exposure in a heterogeneous trauma patient population. Here, we assess the efficacy of the Multimodal Analgesic Strategies for Trauma multimodal pain regimen in a critical patient subgroup who screened at high risk for opioid misuse.

METHODS

The Multimodal Analgesic Strategies for Trauma trial compared an opioid-minimizing multimodal pain regimen (oral acetaminophen, naproxen, gabapentin, lidocaine patch, as-needed opioid) against an original multimodal pain regimen (intravenous followed by oral acetaminophen, 48-hour celecoxib and pregabalin, followed by naproxen and gabapentin, scheduled tramadol, as-needed opioid), in a randomized trial conducted from April 2018 to March 2019. A total of 631 enrolled patients were classified either as low- or high-risk via the Opioid Risk Tool. Bayesian analyses evaluated the moderating influence of Opioid Risk Tool risk (high/low) on the effect of Multimodal Analgesic Strategies for Trauma multimodal pain regimen (versus original) on opioid exposure (morphine milligram equivalents/day), opioids prescribed at discharge, and pain scores.

RESULTS

Multimodal Analgesic Strategies for Trauma multimodal pain regimen effectively reduced morphine milligram equivalents/day in low- and high-Opioid Risk Tool risk groups. Moderation was observed for opioids at discharge and pain scores; Multimodal Analgesic Strategies for Trauma multimodal pain regimen was effective in the high-risk group only (opioids at discharge: 63% vs 77%, relative risk = 0.86, 95% Bayesian credible interval [0.66-1.08], posterior probability (relative risk <1) = 90%; pain scores: b = 3.8, 95% Bayesian credible interval [3.2-4.4] vs b = 4.0, 95% Bayesian credible interval [3.4-4.6], posterior probability (b <0) = 87%).

CONCLUSION

This study is the first to show the moderating influence of opioid misuse risk on the effectiveness of an opioid-minimizing multimodal pain regimen. The Opioid Risk Tool was useful in identifying high-risk patients for whom the Multimodal Analgesic Strategies for Trauma multimodal pain regimen is recommended for perioperative pain management.

Standardized Opioid Counseling Is Underperformed Before and After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

PURPOSE

To characterize contemporary pain management strategies after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) within the US and international orthopaedic community.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional survey-based study disseminated to a consortium of expert orthopaedic surgeons in the management of anterior cruciate ligament injuries. The survey was a 27-question, multiple choice-style questionnaire with question topics ranging from demographic characteristics and practice characteristics to surgeon-specific pain management strategies in the postoperative period after ACLR. Specific topics of interest included the use of preoperative opioid education and/or counseling sessions, implementation of standardized pain management regimens, use of pain tracking systems, and use of any adjunct non-narcotic analgesic modalities.

RESULTS

A total of 34 completed surveys were collected, representing a 73.9% response rate. Over 85% of respondents reported prescribing opioids as a standardized postoperative regimen after ACLR. Surgeons reported prescribing 5- to 10-mg doses, with the tablet count ranging anywhere from fewer than 10 tablets to more than 20 tablets, often instructing their patients to stop opioid use 2 to 4 days postoperatively. Prescribed dosages remained stable or decreased over the past 6 months with increased use of non-narcotic adjuncts. Only one-third of respondents reported using standardized preoperative opioid counseling, with even fewer discussing postoperative discontinuation protocols.

CONCLUSIONS

Over 85% of respondents prescribe opioids as a standardized postoperative regimen after ACLR, with only 15% providing non-narcotic pain regimens. However, prescribed dosages have remained stable or decreased over the past 6 months with increased use of non-narcotic adjuncts. Only one-third of respondents use standardized preoperative opioid counseling, with even fewer discussing postoperative discontinuation protocols.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The ongoing opioid epidemic has created an urgent need to identify the most effective pain management strategies after orthopaedic procedures, especially ACLR. This study provides important information about current pain management practices for patients who have undergone ACLR.

Postoperative Rehabilitation After Superior Labrum Anterior Posterior Repair

The 4-phase rehabilitation protocol outlined in this article provides a comprehensive 26-week program to return patients with superior labrum anterior posterior repairs to their preinjury states. It is guided by the principle of gradual return to preinjury function while preserving the integrity of the surgical repair. Objective criteria are present at the conclusion of each phase to ensure patients are progressing appropriately. The goal is to allow patients to return to their previous functional ability in their sport-specific or occupational-specific training.

Nociception Level Index-Guided Intraoperative Analgesia for Improved Postoperative Recovery: A Randomized Trial

BACKGROUND

Nociception is the physiological response to nociceptive stimuli, normally experienced as pain. During general anesthesia, patients experience and respond to nociceptive stimuli by increasing blood pressure and heart rate if not controlled by preemptive analgesia. The PMD-200 system from Medasense (Ramat Gan, Israel) evaluates the balance between nociceptive stimuli and analgesia during general anesthesia and generates the nociception level (NOL) index from a single finger probe. NOL is a unitless index ranging from 0 to 100, with values exceeding 25 indicating that nociception exceeds analgesia. We aimed to demonstrate that titrating intraoperative opioid administration to keep NOL <25 optimizes intraoperative opioid dosing. Specifically, we tested the hypothesis that pain scores during the initial 60 minutes of recovery are lower in patients managed with NOL-guided fentanyl than in patients given fentanyl per clinical routine.

METHODS

We conducted a randomized, single-center trial of patients having major abdominal open and laparoscopic surgeries. Patients were randomly assigned 1:1 to intraoperative NOL-guided fentanyl administration or fentanyl given per clinical routine. The primary outcome was pain score (0-10 verbal response scale) at 10-minute intervals during the initial 60 minutes of recovery. Our secondary outcome was a measure of adequate analgesia, defined as a pain score <5, assessed separately at each interval.

RESULTS

With a planned maximum sample size of 144, the study was stopped for futility after enrolling 72 patients from November 2020 to October 2021. Thirty-five patients were assigned to NOL-guided analgesic dosing and 37 to routine care. Patients in the NOL group spent significantly less time with a NOL index >25 (median reduction [95% confidence interval {CI}] of 14 [4-25] minutes) were given nearly twice as much intraoperative fentanyl (median [quartiles] 500 [330, 780] vs 300 [200, 330] µg), and required about half as much morphine in the recovery period (3.3 [0, 8] vs 7.7 [0, 13] mg). However, in the primary outcome analysis, NOL did not reduce pain scores in the first 60 minutes after awakening, assessed in a linear mixed effects model with mean (standard error [SE]) of 4.12 (0.59) for NOL and 4.04 (0.58) for routine care, and estimated difference in means of 0.08 (-1.43, 1.58), P = .895.

CONCLUSIONS

More intraoperative fentanyl was given in NOL-guided patients, but NOL guidance did not reduce initial postoperative pain scores.

The comparison of postoperative analgesic efficacy of three-in-one-block versus fascia-iliaca blocks following femoral fracture orthopedics surgical procedures under spinal anesthesia, Gondar, Ethiopia, 2021: A prospective cohort study

INTRODUCTION

Femoral bone fracture is the predominant, lower limb orthopedic surgery that is associated with severe acute and persistent chronic pain that needs better postoperative pain management. Untreated postoperative pain results inability to do physiotherapy resulting in stiffens of joints and immobility. This study aimed to compare the postoperative analgesic efficacy of three-in-one-block versus fascia iliaca block in patients who underwent surgically treated femoral fractured patients under spinal anesthesia.

METHODS

A prospective cohort study was conducted on 110 elective surgically treated femoral fractured orthopedic patients from January to October 2021. Data were entered into epi-data 4.4.2 and imported into a statistical package of social science version 22 for analysis. Shapiro-Wilk normality test was used to check the normality of the data and normally distributed data were analyzed using Student's independent t-test, whereas non-normally distributed variables were analyzed with Mann-Whitney U-test. The comparisons of categorical parameters were analyzed using the chi-square test and Fisher's exact test. Finally p-value < 0.05 was declared to be statistically significant.

RESULT

The median and interquartile range of the postoperative numerical rating scale at rest and on movement was significantly less in three-in-one-block (3IN1B) as compared with fascia-iliaca block (FICB). But at 30 min no significantly different between the two pain management modalities. Moreover, the meantime to seek the first request of analgesia was significantly prolonged in 3IN1B compared with FICB. Regarding the total analgesic consumption, the mean total tramadol consumption was 97. 27 ± 53. 07 and 180 ± 72.96 (p < 0.001) and Diclofenac 53.18 ± 29.28 and 72 ± 43.54 (p < 0. 001) in 3IN1 and FICB, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The present study concludes that three-in-one-block provides more effective analgesia, reduced postoperative analgesic requirements, and prolonged first analgesics requests compared with fascia iliaca block, and Landmark technique fascia-iliaca block (FICB) is an alternative pain management modality in a resource-limited setting.

A systematic review of patient-centered interventions for improving pain outcomes and reducing opioid-related risks in acute care settings

Objectives

This systematic review evaluates the literature for patient-oriented opioid and pain educational interventions that aim to optimize pain management using opioid-sparing approaches in the orthopaedic trauma population. The study protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021234006).

Data Sources

A review of English-language publications in CINAHL (EBSCO), MEDLINE through PubMed, Embase.com, PsycInfo (EBSCO), and Web of Science Core Collection literature databases published between 1980 and February 2021 was conducted using PRISMA guidelines.

Study Selection

Only studies implementing patient-oriented opioid and/or pain education in adult patients receiving acute orthopaedic care were eligible. Outcomes were required to include postinterventional opioid utilization, postoperative analgesia and amount, or patient-reported pain outcomes.

Data Extraction

A total of 480 abstracts were reviewed, and 8 publications were included in the final analysis. Two reviewers independently extracted data from selected studies using a standardized data collection form. Disagreements were addressed by a third reviewer. Quality of studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool.

Data Synthesis

Descriptive statistics characterized study findings, and content analysis was used to discern themes across studies.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate the merit for patient-centered educational interventions including verbal/written/audio-visual trainings paired with multimodal approaches to target opioid-sparing pain management and reduce short-term pain scores in urgent and acute care settings after acute orthopaedic injuries. The scarcity of published literature warrants further rigorously designed studies to substantiate the benefit of patient-centric education in reducing prolonged opioid utilization and associated risks after orthopaedic trauma.

Level of Evidence

Therapeutic level III.

Long-term opioid use following bicycle trauma: a register-based cohort study

PURPOSE

Chronic opioid use is a significant public health burden. Orthopaedic trauma is one of the main indications for opioid prescription. We aimed to assess the risk for long-term opioid use in a healthy patient cohort.

METHODS

In this matched cohort study, bicycle trauma patients from a Swedish Level-I-Trauma Centre in 2006-2015 were matched with comparators on age, sex, and municipality. Information about dispensed opioids 6 months prior until 18 months following the trauma, data on injuries, comorbidity, and socioeconomic factors were received from national registers. Among bicycle trauma patients, the associations between two exposures (educational level and injury to the lower extremities) and the risk of long-term opioid use (> 3 months after the trauma) were assessed in multivariable logistic regression models.

RESULTS

Of 907 bicycle trauma patients, 419 (46%) received opioid prescriptions, whereof 74 (8%) became long-term users. In the first quarter after trauma, the mean opioid use was significantly higher in the trauma patients than in the comparators (253.2 mg vs 35.1 mg, p < 0.001) and fell thereafter to the same level as in the comparators. Severe injury to the lower extremities was associated with an increased risk of long-term opioid use [OR 4.88 (95% CI 2.34-10.15)], whereas high educational level had a protecting effect [OR 0.42 (95% CI 0.20-0.88)].

CONCLUSION

The risk of long-term opioid use after a bicycle trauma was low. However, opioids should be prescribed with caution, especially in those with injury to lower extremities or low educational level.

Preoperative Substance Use Disorder Is Associated With an Increase in 90-Day Postoperative Complications, 1-Year Revisions and Conversion to Arthroplasty Following Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: Substance Use Disorder on the Rise

PURPOSE

The purpose of the current study was to use a nationwide administrative-claims database to characterize the substance use disorder trends of patients undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (RCR). Additionally, we sought to evaluate the influence of preoperative substance use disorder on postoperative outcomes following arthroscopic RCR.

METHODS

The Mariner database was used to identify patients undergoing RCR using CPT codes, ages 18-84 years old, from 2010 to 2019. Patients were stratified by substance use, including cannabis, cocaine, nicotine, alcohol, opioids, stimulants, or sedative, as defined by International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes. Substance use disorders trends were reported. Postoperative outcomes assessed consisted of major complications, minor complications, infections, readmissions, and Emergency Department visits within 90 days of surgery. Additionally, postoperative stiffness, revision surgery, and conversion to arthroplasty within 1 year were evaluated. Multivariate logistic regressions were used to control for demographic and comorbid factors.

RESULTS

Substance use trends from 2010 to 2019 show an increase in documentation of substance use in patients undergoing RCR. Individuals with a history of substance use disorder had an increased risk of adverse outcomes, most notably major medical complications (odds ratio [OR]: 1.63; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.44-1.86; P < .001), revision surgery (OR: 1.43; 95% CI: 1.30-1.56; P < .001), and conversion to arthroplasty (OR: 1.40; 95% CI: 1.08-1.80; P = .009). Subgroup analysis demonstrated that cannabis users were at higher risk for major medical complications (OR: 1.75; 95% CI: 1.15-2.56; P < .001), conversion to arthroplasty (OR: 3.54; 95% CI: 1.77-6.4; P < .001), and revision (OR: 1.53; 95% CI: 1.12-2.04; P < .05) compared to controls. Additionally, substance use was associated with higher medical costs in terms of procedural cost (β; $3634: $3,490-3,777) and 90-day postoperative costs (β: $436; $375-$498).

CONCLUSION

Documentation of substance use disorder is increasing in individuals undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Substance use is associated with higher rates of postoperative complications, overall costs, and revision surgery following arthroscopic RCR. Nicotine and cannabis use were most commonly associated with increased rates of postoperative complications and treatment failure.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV, retrospective therapeutic case series.

Periarticular multimodal analgesia in decreasing perioperative pain in tibial plateau fractures: A double blind randomized controlled pilot study

INTRODUCTION

The use of periarticular multimodal analgesia injections is increasing and has become commonplace in some surgeries. However, there is no data on the effectiveness of local periarticular multimodal analgesia for tibial plateau fractures. We hypothesized that closed tibial plateau fracture patients receiving the local multimodal analgesic medications would experience a decrease in VAS pain scores.

METHODS

Patients aged between 18 and 79 with an isolated closed tibial plateau fracture (AO 41-B and C) were prospectively enrolled and randomized in a 1:1 double blinded fashion to either a placebo or active medication treatment arm. After ORIF, gel-foam sponges soaked in either multimodal analgesic solution or normal saline. Patients were followed for 24 h post-operatively with Visual Analog pain Scores (VAS). Patients were monitored post-operatively for complications including compartment syndrome, infection, and non-union.

RESULTS

The planned study was terminated prior to completion due to higher than anticipated rates of infection (18%), distributed equally among active (3) and placebo (2) groups, raising concerns that this may have been due to the presence of the delivery device. Twenty-eight patients were enrolled, 15 in the active group and 13 in the placebo group. Patients in the active medication group had significantly decreased pain scores at hours 4 (p = 0.005, 4.2 vs 6.9), 8 (p = 0.05, 5 vs 7), and 12 (p = 0.02, 3.8 vs 6.2). Pain scores at hours 16 (p = 0.10, 4.5 vs 6.5), 20 (p = 0.08, 4.6 vs 6.4), and 24 (p = 0.10, 4.8 vs 6.5) were also decreased but did not reach significance.

DISCUSSION

The use of local multimodal periarticular analgesic for closed tibial plateau fractures appears to be beneficial for short-term pain control post-operatively. Concerns regarding an implantable delivery vehicle leading to infection has warranted a change in method of drug administration. Completion of the full study will permit us to validate or refute these findings.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level 1.

Regional Anesthesia in the Emergency Department: an Overview of Common Nerve Block Techniques and Recent Literature

Purpose of Review

This review seeks to discuss the use of RA in the ED including benefits of administration, types of RA by anatomic location, complications and management, teaching methods currently in practice, and future applications of RA in the ED.

Recent Findings

The early use of RA in pain management may reduce the transition of acute to chronic pain. Multiple plane blocks have emerged as feasible and efficacious for ED pain complaints and are now being safely utilized.

Summary

Adverse effects of opioids and their potential for abuse have necessitated the exploration of substitute therapies. Regional anesthesia (RA) is a safe and effective alternative to opioid treatment for pain in the emergency department (ED). RA can manage pain for a wide variety of injuries while avoiding the risks of opioid use and decreasing length of stay when compared to other forms of analgesia and anesthesia, without compromising patient satisfaction.

Opioid use for a first-incident upper extremity fracture in 220,440 patients without recent prior use in Ontario, Canada: a retrospective cohort study

To describe opioid use for a first upper extremity fracture in a cohort of patients who did not have recent opioid use.

Design

Descriptive epidemiological study.

Setting

Emergency Department, Hospital.

Patients/Participants

We obtained health administrative data records of adults presenting with a first adult upper extremity fracture from 2013 to 2017 in Ontario, Canada. We excluded patients with previous fractures, opioid prescription in the past 6 months or hospitalization >5 days after the fracture.

Intervention

Opioid prescription.

Main Outcome Measurements

We identified the proportion of patients filling an opioid prescription within 7 days of fracture. We described this based on different upper extremity fractures (ICD-10), Demographics (age, sex, rurality), comorbidity (Charlson Comorbidity Index, Rheumatoid arthritis, Diabetes), season of injury, and social marginalization (Ontario Marginalization Index-a data algorithm that combines a wide range of demographic indicators into 4 distinct dimensions of marginalization). We considered statistical differences (P< .01) that reached a standardized mean difference of 10% as being clinically important (standardized mean difference [SMD] ≥ 0.1).

Results

From 220,440 patients with a first upper extremity fracture (50% female, mean age 50), opioids were used by 34% of cases overall (32% in males, 36% in females, P< .001, SMD ≥ 0.1). Use varied by body region, with those with multiple or proximal fractures having the highest use: multiple shoulder 64%, multiple regions 62%, shoulder 62%, elbow 38%, wrist 31%, and hand 21%; and was higher in patients who had a nerve/tendon injury or hospitalization (P< .01, SMD ≥ 0.1). Social marginalization, comorbidity, and season of injury had clinically insignificant effects on opioid use.

Conclusions

More than one-third of patients who are recent-non-users will fill an opioid prescription within 7 days of a first upper extremity fracture, with usage highly influenced by fracture characteristics.Level of Evidence: Level II.

Impact of Postoperative Opioid Use on 2-Year Patient-Reported Outcomes in Knee Surgery Patients

The purposes of this study were to identify the patient characteristics associated with refilling a postoperative opioid prescription after knee surgery and to determine whether refilling opioids is associated with 2-year patient-reported outcomes. We hypothesized that postoperative refill of opioids would be associated with worse 2-year patient-reported outcomes. We studied 192 patients undergoing knee surgery at a single urban academic institution. Patients completed multiple patient-reported outcome measures preoperatively and 2 years postoperatively, including six Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) domains, the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) questionnaire, numeric pain scale scores for the operative knee and the rest of the body, Marx Activity Rating Scale, as well as measures of met expectations, improvement, and satisfaction. Total morphine equivalents (TMEs) were calculated from a regional prescription monitoring program. Patients who refilled a postoperative opioid prescription were compared with those who did not, and TMEs were calculated for those who refilled (Refill TMEs). One hundred twenty-nine patients (67%) refilled at least one postoperative opioid prescription. Black race, older age, higher average body mass index (BMI), smoking, greater medical comorbidities, preoperative opioid use, lower income, government insurance, and knee arthroplasty were associated with refilling opioids. Greater Refill TMEs was associated with black or white race, older age, higher average BMI, smoking, greater medical comorbidities, preoperative opioid use, government insurance, and unemployment. Refilling opioids and greater Refill TMEs were associated with worse postoperative scores on most patient-reported outcome measures 2 years after knee surgery. However, refilling opioids and greater Refill TMEs did not have a significant association with improvement after surgery. Multivariable analysis controlling for potential confounding variables confirmed that greater postoperative Refill TMEs independently predicted worse 2-year PROMIS Physical Function, 2-year PROMIS Pain Interference, and 2-year IKDC knee function scores. Postoperative refill of opioids was associated with worse 2-year patient-reported outcomes in a dose-dependent fashion. These findings reinforce the importance of counseling patients regarding opioid use and optimizing opioid-sparing pain management postoperatively.

Effect of a Multimodal Analgesic Protocol on Short-Term and Long-Term Opioid Use After Orthopaedic Trauma

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether the use of a multimodal analgesic protocol reduced short-term and long-term opioid use in patients hospitalized after orthopaedic trauma.

DESIGN

Retrospective pre-post intervention study.

SETTING

Regional, academic, Level 1 trauma center in Central Kentucky.

PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS

Patients were hospitalized after orthopaedic injury before (n = 393) and after (n = 378) the implementation of a multimodal analgesic protocol.

INTERVENTION

The intervention involved a multimodal analgesic protocol consisting of acetaminophen, ibuprofen/ketorolac, gabapentinoids, skeletal muscle relaxants, and standardized doses of opioids plus standardized pain management education before hospital discharge.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

End points included discharge opioid prescription, days' supply and daily morphine milligram equivalent (MME), and long-term opioid use after hospitalization. Opioid use in the 90 days before and after hospitalization was assessed using state prescription drug monitoring program data.

RESULTS

Discharge opioid prescription rates were similar in the intervention and control cohorts [79.9% vs. 78.4%, odds ratio (OR) 1.30 (0.83-2.03), P = 0.256]. Patients in the intervention cohort received a shorter days' supply [5.7 ± 4.1 days vs. 8.1 ± 6.2 days, rate ratio 0.70 (0.65-0.76), P < 0.001] and lower average daily MME [34.8 ± 24.9 MME vs. 51.5 ± 44.0 MME, rate ratio 0.68 (0.62-0.75), P < 0.001]. The incidence of long-term opioid use was also significantly lower in the intervention cohort [7.7% vs. 12.0%, OR 0.53 (0.28-0.98), P = 0.044].

CONCLUSIONS

Implementation of a multimodal analgesic protocol was associated with reductions in both short-term and long-term opioid use, including long-term opioid therapy, after orthopaedic trauma.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

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

Psychological resilience as a predictor of opioid consumption after orthopaedic trauma

INTRODUCTION

Psychological distress after orthopaedic trauma negatively affects patient outcomes. Resilience may mediate distress and therefore be associated with post-operative outcomes, including opioid use. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship between resilience and post-operative opioid demand with the hypothesis that low levels of resilience are associated with increased opioid consumption.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients age 18 - 65 at a single, tertiary care level 1 trauma center who underwent operative treatment of pelvic and/ or extremity fractures between 3/2017 - 6/2018 were contacted by phone to complete the OSPRO-YF, a ten-item screening tool that assesses psychological distress. Participants were screened for scores in the worst quartile (i.e., yellow flag) for resilience. Baseline patient and injury characteristics and opioid demand were compared between patients with and without positive yellow flags for resilience using Wilcoxon rank-sum for continuous variables and Fisher exact test for categorical variables.

RESULTS

A total of 117 patients were surveyed. Patients with positive yellow flag screening scores for resilience had significantly higher opioid demand, number of opioid prescriptions filled, and were more likely to refill prescriptions long-term (3-months post-discharge to one-year post-discharge). Patients with a positive yellow flag for resilience had a significantly higher number of opioid prescriptions filled in the cumulative (one-month pre-op to one-year post-discharge) time period.

DISCUSSION/ CONCLUSION

Lower long-term resilience scores were associated with higher postoperative opioid consumption, fill and refill rates. These results suggest low resilience may be a risk factor for increased long-term opioid consumption following surgical treatment for orthopaedic trauma.

Opioid Prescribing Behavior in the Emergency Department During Routine Orthopedic Manipulations

BACKGROUND

The emergency department (ED) often represents the first exposure orthopedic trauma patients have to prescription opioids and thus a critical opportunity for prevention of potential long-term opioid use. This study will analyze the impact of opioid prescribing patterns among both ED providers and orthopedic surgery residents on the utilization of opioids during routine orthopedic trauma manipulations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective study reviewed opioid utilization among patients with an ankle or distal radius fracture at a large, urban, level 1 trauma center. Data on clinical providers, patient demographics, and injury severity score (ISS) were collected. Total opioid use was reported in oral morphine milligram equivalents (MME). Regression analyses were performed to determine how provider opioid prescribing intensity affected administered MME.

RESULTS

Five-hundred and ninety-five patients were included. The mean MME administered was 40.84 (SD 30.0) and was inversely associated with ISS (R = -.05; P = .40). Patients treated by a high-intensity ED prescriber had approximately three times higher odds of receiving over 40.84 MME (OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.33-5.90 P = .07). For those with an ISS score less than 15, the presence of a low-intensity orthopedic resident decreased the odds of receiving over 40.84 MME from 2.25 to 1.78 in the presence of a high-intensity ED prescriber.

CONCLUSION

For isolated orthopedic manipulations in the ED, involvement of a low-intensity prescribing orthopedic resident significantly decreased the quantity of opioids administered for those with lower ISS injuries, thus effectively mitigating the effect of high-intensity prescribing behavior prescriber.

Neurostimulation as an Efficacious Nonpharmacologic Analgesic following Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair

This case highlights the importance of pursuing nonpharmacologic analgesic modalities in orthopedic surgery to combat the current opioid epidemic. Presented is a patient who underwent an arthroscopic rotator cuff repair and biceps tenodesis operation and through the use of neurostimulation (in the form of auricular electrostimulation), fully recovered from surgery without the usage of any opioid or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications. The patient was fitted with a novel auricular electrostimulation device (DyAnsys Primary Relief) in the immediate postoperative period that provided constant neurostimulation for 10 days, this neurostimulator was the only analgesic modality used in this case, and the patient reported minimal postoperative pain. The utility of this case centers around the lack of postoperative opioid use, presenting the idea that postsurgical orthopedic pain can be managed in a nonpharmacologic capacity, combatting the fields' ongoing opioid epidemic.

Impact of Preoperative Opioid Use on 2-Year Patient-Reported Outcomes in Knee Surgery Patients

The objectives of this study are to assess perioperative opioid use in patients undergoing knee surgery and to examine the relationship between preoperative opioid use and 2-year postoperative patient-reported outcomes (PROs). We hypothesized that preoperative opioid use and, more specifically, higher quantities of preoperative opioid use would be associated with worse PROs in knee surgery patients. We studied 192 patients undergoing knee surgery at a single urban institution. Patients completed multiple PRO measures preoperatively and 2-year postoperatively, including six patient-reported outcomes measurement information system (PROMIS) domains; the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) questionnaire, numeric pain scale (NPS) scores for the operative knee and the rest of the body, Marx's knee activity rating scale, Tegner's activity scale, International Physical Activity Questionnaire, as well as measures of met expectations, overall improvement, and overall satisfaction. Total morphine equivalents (TMEs) were calculated from a regional prescription monitoring program. Eighty patients (41.7%) filled an opioid prescription preoperatively, and refill TMEs were significantly higher in this subpopulation. Opioid use was associated with unemployment, government insurance, smoking, depression, history of prior surgery, higher body mass index, greater comorbidities, and lower treatment expectations. Preoperative opioid use was associated with significantly worse 2-year scores on most PROs, including PROMIS physical function, pain interference, fatigue, social satisfaction, IKDC, NPS for the knee and rest of the body, and Marx's and Tegner's scales. There was a significant dose-dependent association between greater preoperative TMEs and worse scores for PROMIS physical function, pain interference, fatigue, social satisfaction, NPS body, and Marx's and Tegner's scales. Multivariable analysis confirmed that any preoperative opioid use, but not quantity of TMEs, was an independent predictor of worse 2-year scores for function, activity, and knee pain. Preoperative opioid use and TMEs were neither independent predictors of met expectations, satisfaction, patient-perceived improvement, nor improvement on any PROs. Our findings demonstrate that preoperative opioid use is associated with clinically relevant worse patient-reported knee function and pain after knee surgery.

Liposomal Bupivacaine and Ropivacaine Adductor Canal Blocks for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Provide Similar Postoperative Analgesia

The purpose of this study was to compare postoperative pain following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR) in patients receiving an adductor canal block (ACB) with ropivacaine (R-ACB) or liposomal bupivacaine (LB-ACB). The secondary purpose was to compare opioid consumption. A prospective cohort study of patients undergoing ACLR at an academic medical center was conducted from November 1, 2018 to November 21, 2019. The first cohort received R-ACB and 30 tablets of 5/325 mg oxycodone/acetaminophen. After June 13, 2019, the second cohort received LB-ACB and 20 tablets of 5/325 mg oxycodone/acetaminophen with the reduction in opioids prescribed resulting from a hospital quality improvement initiative to decrease narcotic consumption. From postoperative days 0 through 6, pain was assessed thrice daily using a numeric rating scale. Total postoperative opioid consumption was reported via tablet count and converted to oral morphine equivalents (OMEs). During this period, 165 subjects underwent ACLR, and 126 met the eligibility criteria (44.4% female, 55.6% male; mean ± standard deviation: 28.7 ± 13.7 years). Sixty-six (52.4%) received LB-ACB, and 60 (47.6%) received R-ACB (p = 0.53). The most common graft utilized was quadriceps autograft (63.6% LB-ACB; 58.3% R-ACB, p = 0.76). Mean postoperative pain scores were similar between groups during the entire postoperative period (p ≥ 0.08 for POD 0-6). While postoperative opioid consumption was lower among patients receiving LB-ACB (median OME [interquartile range]: 28.6 [7.5-63.8] vs. 45.0 [15.0-75.0], p = 0.023), this only amounted to an average of 2.2 tablets. Patients receiving LB-ACB in the setting of ACLR reported similar postoperative pain compared with those receiving R-ACB. Despite the second aim of our study, we cannot make conclusions about the effect of each block on opioid consumption given that each cohort received different numbers of opioid tablets due to institutional pressure to reduce opioid prescribing. As few patients completed their opioid prescriptions or requested refills, further reduction in prescription size is warranted. Future studies are necessary to further elucidate the effect of LB-ACB versus R-ACB on postoperative pain and opioid consumption after ACLR.

Pain Management Strategies After Orthopaedic Trauma: A Mixed-Methods Study with a View to Optimizing Practices

PURPOSE

To examine 1) pain management strategies within the care trajectory of orthopaedic trauma patients and patients' perception of their effectiveness, 2) adverse effects (AEs) associated with pharmacological treatments, particularly opioids and cannabis, and 3) patients' perceptions of strategies that should be applied after an orthopaedic trauma and support that they should obtain from health professionals for their use.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This study was conducted with orthopaedic trauma patients in a level 1 trauma center. A convergent mixed-methods design was used. Data on pain experience, pain management strategies used and AEs were collected with self-administered questionnaires at hospital discharge (T1) and at 3 months after injury (T2). Patients' preferences about the pain management strategies used, the required support and AEs were further examined through semi-structured individual interviews at the same time measures. Descriptive statistics and thematic analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Seventy-one patients were recruited and 30 individual interviews were undertaken. Pharmacological pain management strategies used at T1 and T2 were mainly opioids (95.8%; 20.8%) and acetaminophen (91.5%; 37.5%). The most frequently applied non-pharmacological strategies were sleep (95.6%) and physical positioning (89.7%) at T1 and massage (46.3%) and relaxation (32.5%) at T2. Findings from quantitative and qualitative analyses highlighted that non-pharmacological strategies, such as comfort, massage, distraction, and physical therapy, were perceived as the most effective by participants. Most common AEs related to opioids were dry mouth (78.8%) and fatigue (66.1%) at T1 and insomnia (30.0%) and fatigue (20.0%) at T2. Dry mouth (28.6%) and drowsiness (14.3%) were the most reported AEs by patients using recreational cannabis. An important need for information at hospital discharge and for a personalized follow-up was identified by participants during interviews.

CONCLUSION

Despite its AEs, we found that opioids are still the leading pain management strategy after an orthopaedic trauma and that more efforts are needed to implement non-pharmacological strategies. Cannabis was taken for recreational purposes but patients also used it for pain relief. Support from health professionals is needed to promote the adequate use of these strategies.

Reduction of Opioid Consumption After Outpatient Orthopaedic Trauma Surgeries Using a Multimodal Pain Protocol

INTRODUCTION

Because of the dearth of literature in the orthopaedic trauma population, we aimed to analyze how a multimodal pain protocol after outpatient surgery affects opioid consumption, pain scores, and patient satisfaction.

METHODS

This was a cohort study with a historical control at an urban level 1 trauma center. Forty consecutive outpatients were given a peripheral nerve block and a multimodal pain protocol between September 2019 and March 2020 and compared with 70 consecutive preprotocol patients who received a peripheral nerve block and hydrocodone-acetaminophen. The primary outcome was morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs) consumed. Our secondary aims were pain scores and satisfaction.

RESULTS

Patients in the protocol were younger (36.45 versus 45.09 years, P = 0.007), butthere was no difference in sex, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists, or surgical duration. There was a 59% reduction in opioids consumed in the first 4 days after surgery (3.83 MME versus 9.29 MME, P < 0.001). At the postoperative day-14 time point, protocol patients consumed a total of 5.59 MMEs, which is 40% less than just the first 4 days of the preprotocol (P = 0.02). Protocol patients assigned a higher rating of "least pain" on postoperative day 1 (1.24 versus 0.52, P = 0.04) but had higher satisfaction scores on day 1 (9.68 versus 8.54, P < 0.001) and day 2 (9.66 versus 8.61, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Implementation of a multimodal pain management protocol after outpatient orthopaedic trauma surgeries reduced opioid consumption by >50% in the first 4 days postoperatively. Additional studies are needed to refine the multimodal pain protocol used in this study.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

II.

State regulation positively impacts opioid prescribing patterns in ankle fracture surgery: A national and state-level analysis

BACKGROUND

The impact of time and state regulation on opioid prescribing in orthopedic trauma is not well known. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of time and state-level opioid legislation on 90-day perioperative opioid prescribing in ankle fracture surgery from 2010 to 2019.

METHODS

This is a retrospective, cohort study using a national insurance database including commercial insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, and cash pay patients to evaluate 30-day pre-operative to 90-day post-operative opioid prescription filling in 40,286 patients ages 18 and older undergoing Current Procedural Terminology codes 27,766, 27,769, 27,792, 27,814, 27,822, and/or 27,823 between 2010 and 2019 in all 50 United States. The primary study outcome was initial and cumulative perioperative opioid prescription filling and rates of filling and refills over the study timeframe.

RESULTS

Mean first prescription volume has not changed dramatically from 2010 (37 oxycodone 5 mg pills) to 2019 (33.3 oxycodone 5 mg pills). However, cumulative prescriptions within the 30PRE-90POST timeframe have decreased considerably from 2010 (128.5 oxycodone 5 mg pills) to 2019 (70.4 oxycodone 5 mg pills), and cumulative prescription filling in years 2018 and 2019 was significantly less than in 2010. Legislation targeting duration or duration and volume had the largest impacts on initial and cumulative opioid prescribing.

CONCLUSIONS

In ankle fracture surgery, states with opioid prescribing legislation had larger reductions in perioperative opioid prescribing compared to states without opioid legislation. Legislation targeting duration or duration and volume had the largest impacts on opioid prescribing.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, Retrospective prognostic cohort study.

Patient understanding regarding opioid use in an orthopaedic trauma surgery population: a survey study

BACKGROUND

Prior studies have assessed provider knowledge and factors associated with opioid misuse; similar studies evaluating patient knowledge are lacking. The purpose of this study was to assess the degree of understanding regarding opioid use in orthopaedic trauma patients. We also sought to determine the demographic factors and clinical and personal experiences associated with level of understanding.

METHODS

One hundred and sixty-six adult orthopaedic trauma surgery patients across two clinical sites of an academic institution participated in an internet-based survey (2352 invited, 7.1% response rate). Demographic, clinical, and personal experience variables, as well as perceptions surrounding opioid use were collected. Relationships between patient characteristics and opioid perceptions were identified using univariate and multivariable logistic regressions. Alpha = 0.05.

RESULTS

Excellent recognition (> 85% correct) of common opioids, side effects, withdrawal symptoms, and disposal methods was demonstrated by 29%, 10%, 30%, and 2.4% of patients; poor recognition (< 55%) by 11%, 56%, 33%, and 52% of patients, respectively. Compared with white patients, non-white patients had 7.8 times greater odds (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.9-31) of perceiving addiction discrepancy (p = 0.004). Employed patients with higher education levels were less likely to have excellent understanding of side effects (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.06, 95% CI 0.006-0.56; p = 0.01) and to understand that dependence can occur within 2 weeks (aOR 0.28, 95% CI 0.09-0.86; p = 0.03) than unemployed patients. Patients in the second least disadvantaged ADI quartile were more knowledgeable about side effects (aOR 8.8, 95% CI 1.7-46) and withdrawal symptoms (aOR 2.7, 95% CI 1.0-7.2; p = 0.046) than those in the least disadvantaged quartile. Patients who knew someone who was dependent or overdosed on opioids were less likely to perceive addiction discrepancy (aOR 0.24, 95% CI 0.07-0.76; p = 0.02) as well as more likely to have excellent knowledge of withdrawal symptoms (aOR 2.6, 95% CI 1.1-6.5, p = 0.03) and to understand that dependence can develop within 2 weeks (aOR 3.8, 95% CI 1.5-9.8, p = 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

Level of understanding regarding opioid use is low among orthopaedic trauma surgery patients. Clinical and personal experiences with opioids, in addition to demographics, should be emphasized in the clinical history.

Short Communication: Lumbar Plexus Block versus Suprainguinal Fascia Iliaca Block to Provide Analgesia Following Hip and Femur Surgery in Pediatric-Aged Patients - An Analysis of a Case Series

Introduction

For surgical procedures involving the hip and femur, various regional anesthetic techniques may be used to provide analgesia. Although there has been an increase in the use of lumbar plexus block (LPB), the technique may be time consuming and associated with complications. Suprainguinal fascia iliaca compartment block (FICB) is a potentially easier and safer alternative. The current study prospectively compares LPB with suprainguinal FICB.

Methods

This prospective, double-blinded, randomized, study included patients undergoing elective orthopedic procedures of the hip and/or femur. All study patients received general anesthesia with randomization to either an LPB or suprainguinal FICB using 0.5% ropivacaine with epinephrine and dexamethasone. Postoperative pain control was achieved with intravenous hydromorphone delivered by patient-controlled analgesia with scheduled acetaminophen and ketorolac. Outcome data included time to perform the block, perioperative opioid consumption, postoperative pain scores (VAS) and hospital length of stay.

Results

The study cohort included 15 patients between the ages of 7 and 16 years (LPB N = 7, FICB N = 8). The median block time was 6 minutes (IQR: 4.11) for the LPB group and 3 minutes (IQR: 3.6) for the FICB group (p = 0.107). Median postoperative pain scores were 4 (IQR: 0.6) for the LPB group and 2 (IQR: 0.5) for the FICB group (p = 0.032). There were no differences in the intraoperative or postoperative opioid and NSAID use between the two groups.

Discussion

The suprainguinal FICB provides analgesia that is at least as effective as a LPB following hip and femur surgery. Time to perform the block was shorter with the FICB due to the supine patient position and limited needle trajectory. Although we noted no adverse effects, the superficial needle trajectory of the FICB offers a less invasive approach and the potential for decreased risks of adverse effects.

Reduced Opioid Use Among Patients Who Received Liposomal Bupivacaine for ACL Reconstruction

Standard multimodal pain management for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction typically includes a combination of local anesthetics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and opioids. Opioids present a substantial risk, and there is a rising number of prescription opioid-related overdoses in the United States. The goal of this study was to evaluate the quantity of opioids prescribed to patients who received liposomal bupivacaine as a component of their multi-modal pain regimen. The electronic medical records of patients who underwent anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction by a single surgeon at an urban hospital during a 2-year period were evaluated. Patients in the case group received liposomal bupivacaine and those in the control group did not. Statistical analysis of the number of pills prescribed and numeric pain rating scale scores was performed with a 2-tailed unequal variance t test. Statistical analysis of opioid prescription refills was performed with a chi-square test. A total of 67 patients were included. The mean number of 5-mg oxycodone tablets prescribed to the case group (9.29±10.29 tablets) was significantly lower (P<.01) compared with the number prescribed to the control group (66.26±37.13 tablets). Patients in the case group also were less likely to require an opioid prescription refill at the first follow-up appointment (P<.01; absolute risk reduction, 50%; number needed to treat, 2). Mean numeric pain rating scale score at 2 weeks was 2.8±2.1 in the case group and 3.8±2.4 in the control group (P=.09). Patients who received liposomal bupivacaine as part of multimodal pain management had significantly fewer opioid prescriptions. Despite the reduction in opioids prescribed, patients in the case group only showed a trend toward a reduction in pain at 2-week follow-up. [Orthopedics. 2021;44(2):e229-e235.].

Perioperative Inpatient Opioid Consumption Following Autologous Free-Flap Breast Reconstruction Patients: An Examination of Risk and Patient-Reported Outcomes

BACKGROUND

The response to the unprecedented opioid crisis in the US has increased focus on multimodal pain regimens and enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) pathways to reduce opioid use. This study aimed to define patient and system-level factors related to perioperative consumption of opioids in autologous free-flap breast reconstruction.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study to identify patients who underwent autologous breast reconstruction between 2010 and 2016. A multivariate linear regression model was developed to assess patient and system-level factors influencing opioid consumption. Opioid consumption was then dichotomized as total postoperative opioid consumption above (high) and below (low) the 50th percentile to afford more in-depth interpretation of the regression analysis. Secondary outcome analyses examined postoperative complications and health-related quality-of-life outcomes using the BREAST-Q.

RESULTS

Overall, 601 patients were included in the analysis. Unilateral reconstruction, lower body mass index, older age, and administration of ketorolac and liposomal bupivacaine were associated with lower postoperative opioid consumption. In contrast, history of psychiatric diagnoses was associated with higher postoperative opioid consumption. There was no difference in the rates of postoperative complications when comparing the groups, although patients who had lower postoperative opioid consumption had higher BREAST-Q physical well-being scores.

CONCLUSION

System-level components of ERAS pathways may reduce opioid use following autologous breast reconstruction, but surgical and patient factors may increase opioid requirements in certain patients. ERAS programs including liposomal bupivacaine and ketorolac should be established on a system level in conjunction with continued focus on individualized care, particularly for patients at risk for high opioid consumption.

Patient Perception of Pain Control (Not Opiate Amount) Affects Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems and Press Ganey Satisfaction Scores After Orthopaedic Trauma

INTRODUCTION

Opiate abuse is a public health issue linked to prescribing. Prescribing increased partly in response to adopting pain as the fifth vital sign. Assessing pain control on patient satisfaction surveys, including government-mandated Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) and optional private surveys (Press Ganey) administered on hospital discharge, may contribute. This study evaluates whether opiate amounts affect orthopaedic trauma patient perception of pain control and overall hospital rating on HCAHPS and Press Ganey surveys.

METHODS

Consecutive adult patients >18 years surgically treated for isolated fractures (UE = upper extremity, LE = lower extremity, and PA = pelvis/acetabulum) at a level 1 trauma center between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2016, were retrospectively analyzed. Hospital charts, HCAHPS, and Press Ganey data were reviewed; patients without survey responses were excluded. Data included comorbidities, psychiatric history, substance use, injury type, and surgery. Analysis included Spearman's rho for correlations, Wilcoxon rank-sum and Kruskal-Wallis for continuous variables, and adjusted ordinal regression to estimate association between opioid prescribing and patient ratings.

RESULTS

One hundred fifty-two total patients (UE 29, LE 112, and PA 11) with mean age of 57 years and median length of stay 3 days were included. Adjusted models showed longer duration outpatient prescriptions were associated with lower rating on how often inpatient pain was controlled (P = 0.002), lower total MME inpatient was associated with higher ratings (HCAHPS P = 0.015; Press Ganey, P = 0.03), lower average daily MME inpatient was associated with lower ratings (HCAHPS P = 0.008; Press Ganey, P = 0.037), and shorter outpatient prescription duration was associated with lower ratings (P = 0.008). Patient perception of pain control was strongly associated with overall HCAHPS (P < 0.05) and Press Ganey (P < 0.001) ratings.

DISCUSSION

Inpatient and outpatient opiate amounts and duration demonstrated some associations with overall scores. However, patients' pain control perception seems to have the strongest relationship with hospital rating. Counseling and multimodal pain control may lead to strong satisfaction scores without needing high opiates after orthopaedic trauma.

Catastrophic Thinking and Pain Alleviation After Lower Extremity Surgery

OBJECTIVES

Requests for opioid pain medication more than a few weeks after surgery are associated with greater symptoms of depression and cognitive biases regarding pain such as worst-case thinking and fear of painful movement. We sought factors associated with patient desire for more opioid medication and satisfaction with pain alleviation at suture removal after lower extremity surgery.

DESIGN

Cross sectional study.

SETTING

Enrollment occurred at 1 of 4 orthopaedic offices in an urban setting.

PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS

At suture removal after lower extremity surgery, 134 patients completed questionnaires measuring catastrophic thinking, ability to reach goals and continue normal activities in spite of pain, symptoms of depression, and magnitude of physical limitations.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Psychological factors associated with questionnaire-reported patient desire for another opioid prescription, satisfaction with postoperative pain alleviation, and the self-reported number of pills remaining from original opioid prescription.

RESULTS

In logistic regression, smoking and greater catastrophic thinking were independently associated with desire for opioid refill (R2 = 0.20). Lower satisfaction with pain alleviation was associated with greater catastrophic thinking (R2 = 0.19). The size of surgery (large vs. medium/small procedure) was not associated with pain alleviation or satisfaction with pain alleviation.

CONCLUSIONS

The association between unhelpful cognitive bias regarding pain and request for more opioids reinforces the importance of diagnosing and addressing common misconceptions regarding pain in efforts to help people get comfortable.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Narcotic Refills and Patient Satisfaction With Pain Control After Total Joint Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Patient satisfaction has become an important metric for total joint arthroplasty (TJA) used to reimburse hospitals. Despite ubiquitous narcotic use for post-TJA pain control, there is little understanding regarding patient factors associated with obtaining opioid refills and associations with patient satisfaction.

METHODS

Using our state's mandatory opioid prescription monitoring program, we reviewed preoperative and postoperative narcotic prescriptions filled for 438 consecutive TJA patients. Subjects were divided into 3 groups based on the number of post-TJA narcotic refills obtained (0, 1, or >1), and logistic regression analysis was conducted comparing demographics, surgical factors, and satisfaction with pain control.

RESULTS

One hundred twenty-five patients (25.8%) did not consume preoperative opioids and received no postoperative refills. Total hip arthroplasty (THA) patients (P = .0004), subjects ≥65 years (P = .0057), and Medicare patients (P = .0058) had significantly higher rates of 0 postdischarge refills. THA recipients had 268% increased odds of not receiving a refill narcotic (adjusted odds ratio = 0.373; 95% confidence interval, 0.224- 0.622). Every 100-morphine milligram equivalent (MME) increase in presurgery use led to a 16% increase in odds of needing >1 opioid refill (adjusted odds ratio = 1.161; 95% confidence interval, 1.085-1.242). Subjects who noted higher satisfaction consumed less overall opioids when receiving a refill (436 vs 1119 MMEs, P = .021).

CONCLUSION

Subjects who received fewer narcotic prescriptions and overall MMEs demonstrated higher rates of satisfaction with early pain control. Our results are consistent with other studies in showing that increased preoperative narcotic use portends higher rates of postoperative refills. There appears to be a subset of THA patients >65 years of age who may be candidates for opioid-sparing analgesia.

Retrospective chart review of perioperative pain management of patients having surgery for closed ankle fractures using peripheral nerve blocks at a level one trauma center

Chronic opioid use is unfortunately perceived among these postoperative patients, specifically within orthopedic surgery. Patients having orthopedic surgeries are at risk for becoming addicted to opioids, and one benefit of peripheral nerves blocks could be to provide an alternative mode of pain control. This study takes a retrospective look at the use of peripheral nerve blocks for pain control following surgery for isolated traumatic ankle injuries. We hypothesize that when peripheral nerve blocks are administered preoperatively to patients with closed ankle fractures, they will have overall better control of postoperative pain compared to patients who did not receive a peripheral nerve block.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this investigation was to evaluate the effect of preoperative peripheral nerve blockade on pain outcomes after ankle fracture surgery.

METHODS

After approval from our institutional review board, a Current Procedural Terminology code search was performed of all patients within our institution over a 3-year data collection period (August 2016-June 2019). This resulted in 177 subjects who underwent isolated closed ankle fracture open reduction internal fixation (ORIF), of which 71 subjects met inclusion criteria.

RESULTS

Results of the primary outcome measures found no difference in the mean postoperative care unit (PACU) pain scores between the groups (2.39 ± 2.91 vs 3.52 ± 3.09; P = 0.1724) nor the frequency of those who reported only mild pain (63.0% vs 47.10%; P = 0.2704). Subjects who received a peripheral nerve block spent more time in the PACU before discharge (2.06 ± 1.05 vs 0.94 ± 1.21 hours; P = 0.0004). Subjects receiving a peripheral nerve block were more likely to be given no analgesics in the PACU (38.9% vs 11.8%; P = 0.042) and less likely to receive a narcotic analgesic in the PACU (53.7% vs 82.4%; P = 0.047).

CONCLUSION

Although the results of this investigation demonstrate no significant difference in the mean PACU pain scores, they do demonstrate a significant difference in the amount of pain medication given in the PACU setting. This information will be used for future investigations of this discrepancy between pain perception and need for immediate postoperative pain medications as it relates to multimodal pain control in the setting of ankle fracture surgery.

Fascia Iliaca Compartment Block for Perioperative Pain Management of Geriatric Patients with Hip Fractures: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background

With continuous increase of the aging population, the number of geriatric patients with fragility hip fractures is rising sharply, and timely surgery remains the mainstay of treatment. However, adequate and effective pain control is the precondition of satisfactory efficacy. This systematic review aimed to summarize the use of fascia iliaca compartment block (FICB) as an analgesic strategy for perioperative pain management in geriatric patients with hip fractures.

Methods

PubMed and Embase databases were searched for English published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting application of FICB for pain control of the older adults with hip fractures between January 1^st, 2000, and May 31^st, 2020. The modified Jadad scale was used to evaluate quality of the RCTs included. Primary outcomes of the eligible RCTs were presented and discussed.

Results

A total of 27 RCTs with 2478 cases were included finally. The present outcomes suggested, after admission or in the emergency department (ED), FICB can provide patients with equal or even better pain relief compared with the conventional analgesia methods, which can also reduce additional analgesic consumptions. While, before positioning for spinal anesthesia (SA), FICB is able to offer superior pain control, facilitating SA performance, after surgery FICB can effectively alleviate pain with decreased use of additional analgesics, promoting earlier mobilization and preventing complications.

Conclusions

FICB is a safe, reliable, and easy-to-conduct technique, which is able to provide adequate pain relief during perioperative management of geriatric patients with hip fractures.

Assessment, Quantification, and Management of Fracture Pain: from Animals to the Clinic

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Fractures are painful and disabling injuries that can occur due to trauma, especially when compounded with pathologic conditions, such as osteoporosis in older adults. It is well documented that acute pain management plays an integral role in the treatment of orthopedic patients. There is no current therapy available to completely control post-fracture pain that does not interfere with bone healing or have major adverse effects. In this review, we focus on recent advances in the understanding of pain behaviors post-fracture.

RECENT FINDINGS

We review animal models of bone fracture and the assays that have been developed to assess and quantify spontaneous and evoked pain behaviors, including the two most commonly used assays: dynamic weight bearing and von Frey testing to assess withdrawal from a cutaneous (hindpaw) stimulus. Additionally, we discuss the assessment and quantification of fracture pain in the clinical setting, including the use of numeric pain rating scales, satisfaction with pain relief, and other biopsychosocial factor measurements. We review how pain behaviors in animal models and clinical cases can change with the use of current pain management therapies. We conclude by discussing the use of pain behavioral analyses in assessing potential therapeutic treatment options for addressing acute and chronic fracture pain without compromising fracture healing. There currently is a lack of effective treatment options for fracture pain that reliably relieve pain without potentially interfering with bone healing. Continued development and verification of reliable measurements of fracture pain in both pre-clinical and clinical settings is an essential aspect of continued research into novel analgesic treatments for fracture pain.

Reduced postoperative pain using Nociception Level-guided fentanyl dosing during sevoflurane anaesthesia: a randomised controlled trial

Background

The majority of postoperative patients report moderate to severe pain, possibly related to opioid underdosing or overdosing during surgery. Objective guidance of opioid dosing using the Nociception Level (NOL) index, a multiparameter artificial intelligence-driven index designed to monitor nociception during surgery, may lead to a more appropriate analgesic regimen, with effects beyond surgery. We tested whether NOL-guided opioid dosing during general anaesthesia results in less postoperative pain.

Methods

In this two-centre RCT, 50 patients undergoing abdominal surgery under fentanyl/sevoflurane anaesthesia were randomised to NOL-guided fentanyl dosing or standard care in which fentanyl dosing was based on haemodynamics. The primary endpoint of the study was postoperative pain assessed in the PACU.

Results

Median postoperative pain scores were 3.2 (inter-quartile range 1.3–4.3) and 4.8 (3.0–5.3) in NOL-guided and standard care groups, respectively (P=0.006). Postoperative morphine consumption (standard deviation) was 0.06 (0.07) mg kg⁻¹ (NOL-guided group) and 0.09 (0.09) mg kg⁻¹ (control group; P=0.204). During surgery, fentanyl dosing was not different between groups (NOL-guided group: 6.4 [4.2] μg kg⁻¹vs standard care: 6.0 [2.2] μg kg⁻¹, P=0.749), although the variation between patients was greater in the NOL-guided group (% coefficient of variation 66% in the NOL-guided group vs 37% in the standard care group).

Conclusions

Despite absence of differences in fentanyl and morphine consumption during and after surgery, a 1.6-point improvement in postoperative pain scores was observed in the NOL-guided group. We attribute this to NOL-driven rather than BP- and HR-driven fentanyl dosing during anaesthesia.

Clinical trial registration

www.trialregister.nl under identifier NL7845.

A systematic review of non-pharmacological interventions used for pain relief after orthopedic surgical procedures

The purpose of the present review was to evaluate the available evidence on the efficacy of various non-pharmacological interventions to relieve pain after orthopedic surgical procedures. An electronic search of the PubMed, Embase and Cochrane library databases was performed to retrieve studies of all types assessing the role of non-pharmacological interventions for pain relief after orthopedic surgical procedures. The included studies were required to assess pain outcomes using a validated measurement index, such as the Visual Analog Scale. The quality of randomized control trials (RCTs) was assessed using the Cochrane tool, while the ROBINS-I tool was used for non-RCTs. A total of five studies were included, namely three RCTs and two non-RCTs. The included studies used relaxation therapy, guided imagery, music and audio-visual distraction for pain management. There was considerable heterogeneity concerning study participants and types of intervention, which precluded a meta-analysis. Overall, all studies reported a significant beneficial effect of non-pharmacological interventions for pain relief. To conclude, current evidence from a limited number of studies indicates there may be a potential role of non-pharmacological interventions, including relaxation therapy, guided imagery, music and audio-visual distraction, in pain management of patients after orthopedic surgery. Owing to considerable heterogeneity and risk of bias in the included studies, strong conclusions cannot be drawn. Further high-quality RCTs assessing the role of such non-pharmacological techniques of pain management are required to strengthen the current evidence.

Combination Preemptive Peripheral Nerve Block in Limb Surgery. A Prospective Study

Background and objectives: Patients often suffer from moderate to severe pain during the early recovery period in orthopedic surgery. We investigated the impact of a single-shot preoperative peripheral nerve block (PNB) on post-anesthesia recovery parameters and interleukin (IL)-6 level during limb surgery. Materials and Methods: A prospective randomized controlled study was conducted, and patients scheduled for limb surgery were recruited. Sixty patients were randomly assigned to either the PNB group or control group, who received morphine as a primary analgesic. The peak verbal numeric rating scale (NRS) score in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) was evaluated as a primary outcome. We also recorded rescue analgesics requirement and wake-up time from anesthesia in the PACU. In addition, the change of plasma IL-6 level after incision was measured. Results: Fifty-two patients completed the study, 27 and 25 cases in the PNB and control group, respectively. Preemptive PNB significantly reduced peak NRS score in the PACU compared to control group. Lower rescue analgesics requirement and rapid wake-up from anesthesia were also noted in PNB group. The IL-6 concentration increased less in the PNB group at 2 h after incision. Conclusions: Preemptive PNB attenuates IL-6 expression 2 h after incision and improves pain management in the PACU. PNB was considered as an essential part of pain management in limb surgery.

The Life of a Fracture: Biologic Progression, Healing Gone Awry, and Evaluation of Union

New knowledge about the molecular biology of fracture-healing provides opportunities for intervention and reduction of risk for specific phases that are affected by disease and medications. Modifiable and nonmodifiable risk factors can prolong healing, and the informed clinician should optimize each patient to provide the best chance for union. Techniques to monitor progression of fracture-healing have not changed substantially over time; new objective modalities are needed.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Delivered via a Mobile Phone Messaging Robot to Decrease Postoperative Opioid Use in Patients With Orthopedic Trauma: Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is a pragmatic approach to help individuals decrease avoidable pain.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to evaluate the effects of ACT delivered via an automated mobile messaging robot on postoperative opioid use and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in patients with orthopedic trauma who underwent operative intervention for their injuries.

METHODS

Adult patients presenting to a level 1 trauma center who underwent operative fixation of a traumatic upper or lower extremity fracture and who used mobile phone text messaging were eligible for the study. Patients were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to either the intervention group, who received twice-daily mobile phone messages communicating an ACT-based intervention for the first 2 weeks after surgery, or the control group, who received no messages. Baseline PROs were completed. Two weeks after the operative intervention, follow-up was performed in the form of an opioid medication pill count and postoperative administration of PROs. The mean number of opioid tablets used by patients was calculated and compared between groups. The mean PRO scores were also compared between the groups.

RESULTS

A total of 82 subjects were enrolled in the study. Of the 82 participants, 76 (38 ACT and 38 controls) completed the study. No differences between groups in demographic factors were identified. The intervention group used an average of 26.1 (SD 21.4) opioid tablets, whereas the control group used 41.1 (SD 22.0) tablets, resulting in 36.5% ([41.1-26.1]/41.1) less tablets used by subjects receiving the mobile phone-based ACT intervention (P=.004). The intervention group subjects reported a lower postoperative Patient-Reported Outcome Measure Information System Pain Intensity score (mean 45.9, SD 7.2) than control group subjects (mean 49.7, SD 8.8; P=.04).

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, the delivery of an ACT-based intervention via an automated mobile messaging robot in the acute postoperative period decreased opioid use in selected patients with orthopedic trauma. Participants receiving the ACT-based intervention also reported lower pain intensity after 2 weeks, although this may not represent a clinically important difference.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03991546; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03991546.

Complications with focus on delirium during hospital stay related to femoral nerve block compared to conventional pain management among patients with hip fracture - A randomised controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Patients with hip fracture often suffer complications leading to increased mortality and morbidity. Pain management are important, but opioids has many side effects. The aim of this study was to investigate whether Femoral Nerve Block (FNB) can reduce complications during hospital stay, with special focus on delirium compared to conventional pain management with opioids among patients with hip fracture, including those with dementia.

PATIENTS & METHODS

In a randomized controlled trial involving patients >70 years with hip fracture (trochanteric and cervical), including those with dementia. Preoperatively, patients (n=236) were consecutively assigned to receive FNB and opioids if required (intervention group, n = 116) or conventional pain management using opioids if required (control group, n = 120). Delirium was set according to different assessments and DSM-IV-TR criteria. Other complications were set by a specialist in geriatric medicine and a trained research nurse according to a predefined protocol.

RESULTS

Most patients, 157 (66%), were women, mean age was 84 (±6.7) years and 109 (46%) patients had dementia disorders. Forty-four patients (38.9%) developed delirium preoperatively in the intervention group compared to 59 (49.2%) patients in the control group (p=0.116). Common postoperative complications were pre- and postoperative delirium, nutritional problems, anaemia, constipation and urinary tract infection with no significant difference between the groups. In the subgroup analysis among patients with dementia, a large proportion developed delirium postoperative (96.3%) and they had a long duration of delirium during hospital stay (5.9 ±1.8), however no difference between the groups.

CONCLUSION

Despite less preoperative pain and need of opioids, FNB did not reduce the incidence of complications. However, a preoperative FNB may result in less preoperative delirium, but this should be further investigated. As pain treatment, FNB is a good alternative with few documented adverse effects in order to reduce pain and opioids among patients with hip fracture.

Role of peripheral nerve block in pain control for the management of acute traumatic orthopaedic injuries in the emergency department: Diagnosis-based treatment guidelines

Trauma remains one of the largest problems that the global healthcare system faces today. In the United States it remains the leading cause of death for young and middle-aged patients, and its economic burden in direct cost and loss of productivity is tremendous. Additionally, the challenge of acute pain control in orthopaedic trauma remains substantial, and the over-reliance on opioid medications has resulted in unintended acute and chronic complications and problems. Alternative pain control strategies, such as peripheral nerve block (PNB), have the potential to decrease healthcare cost, opioid consumption, and other opioid-related complications. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current state of pain control and opioid use in acute orthopaedic injury and provide an understanding of the role of PNB to improve pain management. Finally, this review provides a specific diagnosis-based treatment guideline for the use of PNB in acute orthopaedic injury.

Patient and clinician incentives and barriers for opioid use for musculoskeletal disorders a qualitative study on opioid use in musculoskeletal setting

Introduction

Strategies for pain alleviation have relied heavily on opioids in the recent decades. One consequence is a crisis of opioid misuse, overdose, and overdose related death. This study sought patient and clinician incentives and barriers to the use of opioids in musculoskeletal illness.

Methods

In this qualitative study, twenty-eight patients and eight clinicians participated in a semi-structured interview seeking incentives and barriers for opioid use and prescription in musculoskeletal illness. Interviews were conducted by a trained qualitative interviewer. The interview data were transcribed and analyzed using a thematic analysis framework.

Results

Patient incentives for opioid use included doctor's orders, opioids being the only effective way to alleviate pain, alleviating symptoms of depression and anxiety, being able to keep a job, and lower cost of opioids relative to alternative treatment options. Patient barriers included associated risks (side effects, addiction) and wanting to control pain intensity. Clinician incentives for prescribing opioids included adequate pain alleviation, patient satisfaction, relatively inexpensive costs of opioids, convenience and doing what was taught by the clinician's superior. Lacking time and resources to adequately inform patients on appropriate opioid use and alternative treatments, likely results in more opioid prescribing than arguably necessary. Barriers for opioid prescribing included specific patient characteristics (psychiatric background, history of opioid misuse) and illness characteristics (nature of the injury, medical contra-indications).

Conclusion

Patients feel that opioids should be used with caution. Clinicians in this study reported a tendency to default to opioids out of habit and convenience. Both patients and clinicians were aware that opioids are often misused to treat emotional pain.

Risk factors and outcomes of chronic opioid use following trauma

Background

The growing problem of opioid misuse has become a serious crisis in many countries. The role of trauma as a gateway to opioid use is currently not determined. The study was undertaken to assess whether traumatic injury might be associated with chronic opioid use and accompanying increased long-term mortality.

Methods

Injured patients and controls from Sweden were matched for age, sex and municipality. After linkage to Swedish health registers, opioid consumption was assessed before and after trauma. Among injured patients, logistic regression was used to investigate factors associated with chronic opioid use, assessed by at least one written and dispensed prescription in the second quarter after trauma. Cox regression was employed to study excess risk of mortality. In addition, causes of death for postinjury opioid users were explored.

Results

Some 13 309 injured patients and 70 621 controls were analysed. Exposure to trauma was independently associated with chronic opioid use (odds ratio 3·28, 95 per cent c.i. 3·02 to 3·55); this use was associated with age, low level of education, somatic co-morbidity, psychiatric co-morbidity, pretrauma opioid use and severe injury. The adjusted hazard ratio for death from any cause 6–18 months after trauma for chronic opioid users was 1·82 (95 per cent c.i. 1·34 to 2·48). Findings were similar in a subset of injured patients with no pretrauma opioid exposure.

Conclusion

Traumatic injury was associated with chronic opioid use. These patients have an excess risk of death in the 6–18 months after trauma.

Effects of preoperative opioid education on postoperative opioid use and pain management in orthopaedics: A systematic review

Prescription opioid abuse after surgery is considered a crisis in the United States. The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate use and effectiveness of pre-operative education with respect to post-operative opioid use and management of pain in the orthopaedic setting. Electronic searches were conducted in Ovid/Medline and SCOPUS to identify articles that discuss pre-operative opioid education and its effects on post-operative pain scores and prescription fulfillment. Non-orthopaedic studies were included for comparison. Eleven studies met inclusion criteria, 3 of which were retrospective reviews of large (>1000) post-surgical cohorts, and 8 of which were randomized controlled studies that examined different approaches to opioid education. Best current evidence suggests that incidence of opioid abuse after surgery is 5.9-6.5% and that the internet is the main source of guidance for patients regarding postoperative pain management. Education specifically related to opioid use and pain can be effective in reducing opioid prescription requests and filling. In contrast, education related solely to postoperative expectations does not consistently impact post-operative pain scores and was associated with 44% of total joint arthroplasty patients stating the approach was unhelpful regarding their pain management. This systematic review suggests that it is most effective to give patients verbal information rather than only providing information in written form and that utilizing two forms of education is most effective. The current literature supports this multi-modal approach to preoperative opioid education preoperatively for reducing post-operative opioid use and severity of self-reported pain.

Opioid prescription patterns for pediatric orthopaedic fracture patients

BACKGROUND

While hospitalizations attributed to opioid poisonings are increasing in the pediatric population, the patterns of prescribing behaviors of health care providers remains unclear. The aims of this study were to identify the opioid prescribing patterns of an orthopaedic team for post-surgical pediatric orthopaedic fracture patients, and to examine whether patient demographics, injury type, and type of providers were associated with the opioid prescribing patterns at discharge.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed among all patients aged 0-18 years undergoing surgery for elbow, forearm, wrist, femur, tibia and ankle fractures between 2014 and 2016 at a large children's hospital. Inclusion criteria were patients with isolated operative fractures involving the elbow, forearm, wrist, femur, tibia or ankle who received an opioid prescription at discharge prescribed by a member of the orthopaedic team. Exclusion criteria included patients discharged without opioids or patients discharged with opioid prescriptions from another medical team.

RESPONSE

1000 unique patients (546 male) were identified, with average age of 7.9 years. The most common fracture was elbow (67.2%), followed by femur (12.4%), ankle (9.4%), forearm (5.8%), wrist (4.6%), and tibia (1.6%). Average dose of opioids prescribed was 28.4 (SD = 11.5) per patient. All prescriptions followed recommended guidelines for each medication. Patients who were older (p < 0.0001) or heavier (p < 0.0001) were prescribed a significantly greater average number of opioid doses. Nurse practitioners wrote 57.0% of the discharge prescriptions, followed by residents (23.0%) and physician assistants (14.5%). Attending surgeons accounted for only 5.5% of prescriptions. Residents and physician assistants prescribed significantly higher average doses than nurse practitioners and attending surgeons (p < 0.0001). Patients receiving liquid opioids received a statistically significant (p < 0.001) smaller number of doses than patients receiving tablets.

CONCLUSIONS

Pediatric orthopaedic trauma patients appear to be receiving generic numbers of opioid pain medication doses after fracture surgery due to universal rather than injury-specific prescribing patterns. Further study is required to determine the appropriate number of doses per injury type.