The study observed opiate use three months prior to injury and six months post-injury in a group of 613 patients with isolated musculoskeletal injuries.
The study found:
• 15.5 percent of patients used a prescription for opiates three months before the occurrence of injury, compared with 9.2 percent of the general population
• 12.2 percent of the patients filled more than one prescription for opiates three months before injury, compared with 6.4 percent of the general population
• 68.4 percent of patients filled opiate prescriptions for less than six weeks postoperatively
• 11.9 percent of patients filled prescriptions for six to 12 weeks
• 19.7 percent filled prescriptions for more than 12 weeks
• Advancing age is a risk of prolonged opiate use
• Amount of pre-injury use is a risk factor of prolonged opiate use
More Articles on Orthopedics:
Hamstring Allograft in Reconstructive Elbow Surgery: 7 Things to Know
Report: 4 Trends Among Orthopedic Practices
Evidence-Based Medicine & the Next Frontier in Orthopedics: Q&A With Dr. David Dines of Hospital for Special Surgery
At the Becker’s 32nd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs, taking place October 29-31 in Chicago, ASC leaders, surgeons and healthcare executives will explore strategies to drive growth, enhance operational performance, navigate reimbursement challenges and prepare for the future of ambulatory surgery. Apply for complimentary registration now.