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Tao X, Matur AV, Khalid S, Shukla G, Vorster P, Childress K, Garner R, Gibson J, Cass D, Mejia Munne JC, McGrath K, Ivey N, Garcia-Vargas J, Wu A, Street S, Mehta J, Onyewadume L, Duah HO, Motley B, Cheng JS, Adogwa O. Cannabis Use is Associated With Higher Rates of Pseudarthrosis Following TLIF: A Multi-Institutional Matched-Cohort Study. Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 2024; 49:412-418. [PMID: 37417709 DOI: 10.1097/brs.0000000000004768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN This was a retrospective cohort study. OBJECTIVE To compare the rates of pseudarthrosis in patients undergoing 1 to 3 level transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) procedures between cannabis users and noncannabis users. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Recreational use of cannabis is common, though it remains poorly studied and legally ambiguous in the United States. Patients with back pain may turn to adjunctive use of cannabis to manage their pain. However, the implications of cannabis use on the achievement of bony fusion are not well-characterized. METHODS Patients who underwent 1 to 3 level TLIF for degenerative disc disease or degenerative spondylolisthesis between 2010 and 2022 were identified using the PearlDiver Mariner all-claims insurance database. Cannabis users were identified with ICD 10 code F12.90. Patients undergoing surgery for nondegenerative pathologies such as tumors, trauma, or infection were excluded. 1:1 exact matching was performed using demographic factors, medical comorbidities, and surgical factors which were significantly associated with pseudarthrosis in a linear regression model. The primary outcome measure was development of pseudarthrosis within 24 months after 1 to 3 level TLIF. The secondary outcomes were the development of all-cause surgical complications as well as all-cause medical complications. RESULTS A 1:1 exact matching resulted in two equal groups of 1593 patients who did or did not use cannabis and underwent 1 to 3 level TLIF. Patients who used cannabis were 80% more likely to experience pseudarthrosis compared with patients who do not [relative risk (RR): 1.816, 95% CI: 1.291-2.556, P <0.001]. Similarly, cannabis use was associated with significantly higher rates of all-cause surgical complications (RR: 2.350, 95% CI: 1.399-3.947, P =0.001) and all-cause medical complications (RR: 1.934, 95% CI: 1.516-2.467, P <0.001). CONCLUSION After 1:1 exact matching to control for confounding variables, the findings of this study suggest that cannabis use is associated with higher rates of pseudarthrosis, as well as higher rates of all-cause surgical and all-cause medical complications. Further studies are needed to corroborate our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Tao
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Abhijith V Matur
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Syed Khalid
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, TX
| | - Geet Shukla
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Phillip Vorster
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Kelly Childress
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Rebecca Garner
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Justin Gibson
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Daryn Cass
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Juan C Mejia Munne
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Kyle McGrath
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Natalie Ivey
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Julia Garcia-Vargas
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Andrew Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Seth Street
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Jay Mehta
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Louisa Onyewadume
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard University T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | - Henry O Duah
- Institute of Nursing Research, University of Cincinnati College of Nursing, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Benjamin Motley
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Joseph S Cheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Owoicho Adogwa
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
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Parrish JM, Vakharia RM, Benson DC, Hoyt AK, Jenkins NW, Kaplan JRM, Rush AJ, Roche MW, Aiyer AA. Patients With Opioid Use Disorder Have Increased Readmission Rates, Emergency Room Visits, and Costs Following a Hallux Valgus Procedure. Foot Ankle Spec 2022; 15:305-311. [PMID: 32857596 DOI: 10.1177/1938640020950105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with a history of opioid use disorder (OUD) tend to have more complications, higher readmission rates, and increased costs following orthopaedic procedures. This study evaluated patients undergoing hallux valgus correction for their odds of increased (1) readmission rates, (2) emergency room (ER) visits, and (3) costs. METHODS Patients undergoing hallux valgus corrections with OUD history were identified using a national Medicare administrative claims database of approximately 24 million orthopaedic surgery patients. OUD patients were matched to non-opioid use disorder (NUD) patients in a 1:4 ratio by age, sex, Elixhauser-Comorbidity Index (ECI), diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and tobacco use. The query yielded 6318 patients (OUD = 1276; NUD = 5042) who underwent a hallux valgus correction. Primary outcomes analyzed included odds of 90-day readmission rates, 30-day ER visits, and 90-day episode-of-care costs. Demographics, odds ratios (ORs), ECI, and cost were assessed as appropriate using a Pearson χ2 test, logistic regression, and a t test. A P value <.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS There were no significant differences in demographics between OUD and NUD patients. OUD patients had higher incidence and odds of 90-day readmission (9.56% vs 6.04%; OR = 1.55; P < .001) and 30-day ER visits (0.86% vs 0.35%; OR = 2.42; P = .021) and incurred greater 90-day episode-of-care costs ($7208.28 vs $6134.75; P < .001) compared with NUD patient controls. CONCLUSION The study demonstrates the possible influence of OUD on higher odds of readmission, ER visits, and costs following a hallux valgus correction. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE Level III: Retrospective cohort study.
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Affiliation(s)
- James M Parrish
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Miami Hospital, Miami, Florida
| | - Rushabh M Vakharia
- Maimonides Medical Center, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Brooklyn, New York
| | - Dillon C Benson
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Miami Hospital, Miami, Florida
| | - Aaron K Hoyt
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Miami Hospital, Miami, Florida
| | - Nathaniel W Jenkins
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Miami Hospital, Miami, Florida
| | | | - Augustus J Rush
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Miami Hospital, Miami, Florida
| | - Martin W Roche
- Orthopedic Research Institute, Holy Cross Hospital, Ft Lauderdale, Florida
| | - Amiethab A Aiyer
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Miami Hospital, Miami, Florida
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Idrizi A, Paracha N, Lam AW, Gordon AM, Saleh A, Razi AE. Association of Opioid Use Disorder on Postoperative Outcomes Following Lumbar Laminectomy: A Nationwide Retrospective Analysis of the Medicare Population. Int J Spine Surg 2022; 16:1034-1040. [PMID: 35772945 PMCID: PMC9807046 DOI: 10.14444/8322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research focused on the association of opioid use disorder (OUD) on postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing primary lumbar laminectomy is lacking. This study aims to observe the impact of OUD on (1) hospital length of stay (LOS), (2) readmission rates, (3) medical complications, and (4) health care expenditures. METHODS A retrospective query was performed using a nationwide claims database from January 2005 to March 2014 for all patients who underwent lumbar laminectomy, yielding a total of 131,635 patients. The study cohort included 3515 patients with OUD, while 128,120 patients served as the comparison cohort. Multivariate binomial logistic regression analyses were used to determine the association of OUD on readmission rates and medical complications, whereas Welch's t tests were used to compare LOS and health care expenditures. A P value less than 0.001 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS Patients with OUD undergoing lumbar laminectomy had significantly longer hospital LOS (3.68 vs 1.13 days, P < 0.0001). Readmission rates were significantly higher (14.57% vs 7.39%, OR: 1.73, P < 0.0001) in patients who had an OUD. The study cohort was found to have higher incidence and odds (32.36% vs 9.76%, OR: 3.53, P < 0.0001) of 90-day medical complications and total global 90-day episode of care reimbursement rates ($13,635.81 vs $8131.20, P < 0.0001) compared with their counterparts. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates OUD to be associated with longer hospital LOS, increased rates of 90-day readmissions, medical complications, and health care expenditures following lumbar laminectomy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results indicate that OUD is associated with worse outcomes following lumbar laminectomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adem Idrizi
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA,SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, College of Medicine, Brooklyn, NY, USA, Adem Idrizi, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Maimonides Medical Center, 927 49th St, Brooklyn, NY 11219, USA;
| | - Noorulain Paracha
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA,SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, College of Medicine, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Aaron W. Lam
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Adam M. Gordon
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Ahmed Saleh
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Afshin E. Razi
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
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Moussalem C, Ftouni L, Abou Mrad Z, Bsat S, Houshiemy M, Alomari S, Omeis I. Negative pharmacological effect on spine fusion: A narrative review of the literature of evidence-based treatment. Clin Neurol Neurosurg 2021; 207:106799. [PMID: 34304068 DOI: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2021.106799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 06/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Spine fusion surgery is commonly performed for diverse indications, the most frequent one being degenerative spine diseases. Despite the growing importance of this surgery, there is limited evidence concerning the effects of drugs on the process of spine fusion and healing. While asymptomatic sometimes, nonunion of the spine can have tremendous repercussions on the patients' quality of life and the healthcare system rendering it an "expensive complication". This literature review identifies the role of some perioperative drugs in spine fusion and reveals their potential role in pseudarthrosis of the spine. This review also benefits spine surgeons looking for current evidence-based practices. We reviewed the data related to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, vancomycin, bisphosphonates, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), pregabalin, and opioids. From the available experimental and clinical studies, we conclude that bisphosphonates might positively influence the process of spine fusion, while steroids and vancomycin have shown variable effects, and the remaining medications likely disturb healing and union of the spine. We recommend spine surgeons be cautious about the drugs they resort to in the critical perioperative period until further clinical studies prove which drugs are safe to be used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charbel Moussalem
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, American University of Beirut Medical Center, P.O. Box 11-0236, Riad El-Solh, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon.
| | - Louna Ftouni
- Faculty of Medicine, Beirut Arab University, P.O. Box 11-5020, Riad El Solh 1107 2809, Lebanon.
| | - Zaki Abou Mrad
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, American University of Beirut Medical Center, P.O. Box 11-0236, Riad El-Solh, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon.
| | - Shadi Bsat
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, American University of Beirut Medical Center, P.O. Box 11-0236, Riad El-Solh, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon.
| | - Mohamad Houshiemy
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, American University of Beirut Medical Center, P.O. Box 11-0236, Riad El-Solh, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon.
| | - Safwan Alomari
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, American University of Beirut Medical Center, P.O. Box 11-0236, Riad El-Solh, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon.
| | - Ibrahim Omeis
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, American University of Beirut Medical Center, P.O. Box 11-0236, Riad El-Solh, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon.
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Allen MK, Parrish JM, Vakharia R, Kaplan JRM, Vulcano E, Roche MW, Aiyer AA. The Influence of Opioid Use Disorder on Open Reduction and Internal Fixation Following Ankle Fracture. Foot Ankle Spec 2021; 14:232-237. [PMID: 32270705 DOI: 10.1177/1938640020914715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ankle fractures are common and may require open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). Literature is scarce evaluating the associations of opioid use disorder (OUD) with ORIF postoperative outcomes. This study investigates whether OUD patients have increased (1) costs of care, (2) emergency room visits, and (3) readmission rates. METHODS ORIF patients with a 90-day history of OUD were identified using an administrative claims database. OUD patients were matched (1:4) to controls by age, sex, and medical comorbidities. The Welch t-test determined the significance of cost of care. Logistic regression yielded odds ratios (ORs) for emergency room visits and 90-day readmission rates. RESULTS A total of 2183 patients underwent ORIF (n = 485 with OUD vs n = 1698 without OUD). OUD patients incurred significantly higher costs of care compared with controls ($5921.59 vs $5128.22, P < .0001). OUD patients had a higher incidence and odds of emergency room visits compared with controls (3.50% vs 0.64%; OR = 5.57, 95% CI = 2.59-11.97, P < .0001). The 90-day readmission rates were not significantly different between patients with and without OUD (8.65% vs 7.30%; OR = 1.20, 95% CI = 0.83-1.73, P = .320). CONCLUSION OUD patients have greater costs of care and odds of emergency room visits within 90 days following ORIF.Levels of Evidence: Level III: Retrospective cohort study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan K Allen
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Miami Hospital, Miami, Florida
| | - James M Parrish
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Miami Hospital, Miami, Florida
| | - Rushabh Vakharia
- Holy Cross Hospital, Orthopedic Research Institute, Ft Lauderdale, Florida
| | | | | | - Martin W Roche
- Holy Cross Hospital, Orthopedic Research Institute, Ft Lauderdale, Florida
| | - Amiethab A Aiyer
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Miami Hospital, Miami, Florida
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Opioid Use in Adults With Low Back or Lower Extremity Pain Who Undergo Spine Surgical Treatment Within 1 Year of Diagnosis. Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 2020; 45:1725-1735. [PMID: 32833930 DOI: 10.1097/brs.0000000000003663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Retrospective longitudinal cohort. OBJECTIVE We investigated opioid prescribing patterns amongst adults in the United States diagnosed with low back or lower extremity pain (LBP/LEP) who underwent spine surgery. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Opioid-based treatment of LBP/LEP and postsurgical pain has separately been associated with chronic opioid use, but a combined and large-scale cohort study is missing. METHODS This study utilizes commercial inpatient, outpatient, and pharmaceutical insurance claims. Between 2008 and 2015, patients without previous prescription opioids with a new diagnosis of LBP/LEP who underwent surgery within 1 year after diagnosis were enrolled. Opioid prescribing patterns after LBP/LEP diagnosis and after surgery were evaluated. All patients had 1-year postoperative follow-up. Low and high frequency (6 or more refills in 12 months) opioid prescription groups were identified. RESULTS A total of 25,506 patients without previous prescription opioids were diagnosed with LBP/LEP and underwent surgery within 1 year of diagnosis. After LBP/LEP diagnosis, 18,219 (71.4%) were prescribed opioids, whereas 7287 (28.6%) were not. After surgery, 2952 (11.6%) were prescribed opioids with high frequency and 22,554 (88.4%) with low frequency. Among patients prescribed opioids before surgery, those with high-frequency prescriptions were more likely to continue this pattern postoperatively than those with low frequency prescriptions preoperatively (OR 2.15, 95% CI 1.97-2.34). For those prescribed opioids preoperatively, average daily morphine milligram equivalent (MME) decreased after surgery (by 2.62 in decompression alone cohort and 0.25 in arthrodesis cohort, P < 0.001). Postoperative low-frequency patients were more likely than high-frequency patients to discontinue opioids one-year after surgery (OR 3.78, 95% CI 3.59-3.99). Postoperative high-frequency patients incurred higher cost than low-frequency patients. Postoperative high-frequency prescribing varied widely across states (4.3%-20%). CONCLUSION A stepwise association exists between opioid use after LEP or LBP diagnosis and frequency and duration of opioid prescriptions after surgery. Simultaneously, the strength of prescriptions as measured by MME decreased following surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 3.
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The Impact of Preoperative Chronic Opioid Therapy in Patients Undergoing Decompression Laminectomy of the Lumbar Spine. Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 2020; 45:438-443. [PMID: 31651677 DOI: 10.1097/brs.0000000000003297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Retrospective review of electronic medical records (EMR). OBJECTIVE This study aims to (1) characterize the pattern of opioid utilization in patients undergoing spine surgery and (2) compare the postoperative course between patients with and without chronic preoperative opioid prescriptions. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Postoperative pain management for patients with a history of opioid usage remains a challenge for spine surgeons. Opioids are controversial in this setting due to side effects and potential for abuse and addiction. Given the increasing rate of opioid prescriptions for spine-related pain, more studies are needed to evaluate patterns and risks of preoperative opioid usage in surgical patients. METHODS EMR were reviewed for patients (age > 18) with lumbar spinal stenosis undergoing lumbar laminectomy in 2011 at our institution. Data regarding patient demographics, levels operated, pre/postoperative medications, and in-hospital length of stay were collected. Primary outcomes were length of stay and duration of postoperative opioid usage. RESULTS One hundred patients were reviewed. Fifty-five patients had a chronic opioid prescription documented at least 3 months before surgery. Forty-five patients were not on chronic opioid therapy preoperatively. The preoperative opioid group compared with the non-opioid group had a greater proportion of females (53% vs. 40%), younger mean age (63 yrs vs. 65 yrs), higher frequency of preoperative benzodiazepine prescription (20% vs. 11%), longer average in-hospital length of stay (3.7 d vs. 3.2 d), and longer duration on postoperative opioids (211 d vs. 79 d). CONCLUSION Patients on chronic opioids prior to spine surgery are more likely to have a longer hospital stay and continue on opioids for a longer time after surgery, compared with patients not on chronic opioid therapy. Spine surgeons and pain specialists should seek to identify patients on chronic opioids before surgery and evaluate strategies to optimize pain management in the pre- and postoperative course. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 3.
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