Prescription Amounts Research Articles

Evaluating Prescriber Adherence to a Standardized Postoperative Opioid Prescription Protocol for Cubital Tunnel Surgery

Concerns regarding the ongoing opioid epidemic have led to the implementation of standardized postoperative opioid-prescribing protocols for many common hand surgical procedures. This study investigated patient- and procedure-specific factors affecting adherence to a standardized postoperative opioid-prescribing protocol after cubital tunnel surgery. A retrospective review of patients who underwent primary cubital tunnel surgery within one academic medical system between October 1, 2016 (after the implementation of a standardized postoperative opioid-prescribing protocol) and March 1, 2020 was performed. Patients aged <18 years or with a history of revision surgery, prior traumatic ulnar nerve injury, additional concurrent surgical procedures, or a surgeon not participating in the protocol were excluded. Patient demographics, comorbidities, prior opioid history, and surgical variables were recorded. The primary outcome was adherence to the standardized postoperative opioid-prescribing protocol. A bivariate statistical analysis was performed. Ninety-eight patients were included. The median initial postoperative prescription amount was 75 morphine equivalent units (100% of protocol target) for 78 patients (80% of cohort) who underwent in situ decompression and 75 morphine equivalent units (50% of protocol target) for 20 patients (20% of cohort) who underwent decompression with ulnar nerve transposition. Forty-nine percent of initial opioid prescriptions adhered to protocol, compared with 26% below target and 26% above target. In the bivariate analysis, recent opioid prescriptions within 3 months preoperatively were associated with improved prescriber protocol adherence; longer tourniquet time and anterior transposition were associated with prescriptions below target, and in situ decompression was associated with prescriptions above target. Variation in postoperative opioid-prescribing patterns persists despite the implementation of a standardized postoperative opioid-prescribing protocol. Recent opioid prescriptions were associated with protocol adherence, possibly reflecting increased provider vigilance in this patient population. Differing target prescription amounts for in situ decompression versus decompression with anterior transposition may be unnecessary. Therapeutic IV.

Reducing Opioid Prescribing after Cesarean Delivery by Utilizing a Tailored Opioid Prescribing Algorithm.

There are increasing efforts among health care systems to promote safe opioid prescribing; however, best practice for minimizing overprescription is not established. Our study aimed to evaluate the effect of a tailored opioid prescribing algorithm on opioid prescription quantities. A tailored opioid prescribing algorithm was developed to provide a recommended prescription quantity based on inpatient opioid use. A retrospective analysis of opioid prescribing 3 months before and after implementation was performed. Our primary outcome was the number of oxycodone 5-mg tablets prescribed. Subgroup analysis by oxycodone consumption in the 24 hour prior to discharge was performed. Patient satisfaction and unused opioid tablets were assessed by text message survey 2 weeks' postpartum. We included 627 (n = 313 preimplementation; n = 314 postimplementation) patients who underwent cesarean delivery. Clinical characteristics were similar between groups. The median number of oxycodone 5-mg tablets prescribed in the baseline group was 20 (interquartile range [IQR]: 20-30), compared with 5 (IQR: 0-10) in the tailored prescribing group (p < 0.0001). For patients with no opioid use in the 24 hours prior to discharge, the median number of tablets prescribed decreased from 20 (IQR: 10-20) to 0 (IQR: 0-5) following the intervention (p < 0.0001). The proportion of patients discharged without an opioid prescription increased from 7% (23/313) in the baseline group to 35% (111/314) in the tailored prescribing group (odds ratio: 6.9, 95% confidence interval [4.3, 11.1]). Tailored opioid prescribing reduced the number of opioid tablets prescribed and increased the proportion of patients who were discharged without an opioid prescription. · Opioid prescribing should be tailored by inpatient use.. · Tailored prescribing reduced opioid prescription amounts.. · Many patients do not require an opioid prescription..

Direct Anterior versus Posterior Approach for Total Hip Arthroplasty Performed for Displaced Femoral Neck Fractures.

To compare perioperative, 90-day, and 1-year postoperative complications and outcomes between the direct anterior approach (DAA) and posterior approach (PA) for total hip arthroplasty (THA) in geriatric patients with displaced femoral neck fractures (FNF). Retrospective Cohort Study. Multicenter Healthcare Consortium. 709 patients > 60 years of age with acute displaced FNF between 2009 and 2021. THA using either DAA or PA. Rates of postoperative complications including dislocations, reoperations, and mortality at 90 days and 1 year postoperatively. Secondary outcome measures included ambulation capacity at discharge, ambulation distance with inpatient physical therapy, discharge disposition, and narcotic prescription quantities (morphine milligram equivalents [MME]). Through a multivariable regression analysis, DAA was associated with significantly shorter operative time ​​(B = -6.89 minutes; 95% CI, -12.84 to -0.93; P = 0.024), lower likelihood of blood transfusion during the index hospital stay (aOR = 0.54; 95% CI, 0.27 to 0.96; P = 0.045), and decreased average narcotic prescription amounts at 90 days (B = -230.45 MME; 95% CI, -440.24 to -78.66; P = 0.035) postoperatively. There were no significant differences in medical complications, dislocations, reoperations, and mortality at 90 days and 1 year postoperatively. When comparing the DAA versus PA for THA performed for displaced FNF, DAA was associated with shorter operative time, a lower likelihood of blood transfusion, and lower 90-day postoperative narcotic prescription amounts. Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Impact of state opioid laws on prescribing in trauma patients

BackgroundExcessive opioid prescribing has resulted in opioid diversion and misuse. In July 2018, Michigan’s Public Act 251 established a state-wide policy limiting opioid prescriptions for acute pain to a 7-day supply. Traumatic injury increases the risk for new persistent opioid use, yet the impact of prescribing policy in trauma patients remains unknown. To determine the relationship between policy enactment and prescribing in trauma patients, we compared oral morphine equivalents prescribed at discharge before and after implementation of Public Act 251. MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, adult patients who received any oral opioids at discharge from a Level 1 trauma center between January 1, 2016, and June 30, 2021, were identified. The exposure was patients admitted starting July 1, 2018. Inpatient oral morphine equivalents per day 48 hours before discharge and discharge prescription oral morphine equivalents per day were calculated. Student’s t test and an interrupted time series analysis were performed to compare mean oral morphine equivalents per day pre- and post-policy. Multivariable risk adjustment accounted for patient/injury factors and inpatient oral morphine equivalent use. ResultsA total of 3,748 patients were included in the study (pre-policy n = 1,685; post-policy n = 2,063). Implementation of the prescribing policy was associated with a significant decrease in mean discharge oral morphine equivalents per day (34.8 ± 49.5 vs 16.7 ± 32.3, P < .001). After risk adjustment, post-policy discharge prescriptions differed by −19.2 oral morphine equivalents per day (95% CI −21.7 to −16.8, P < .001). The proportion of patients obtaining a refill prescription 30 days post-discharge did not increase after implementation (0.38 ± 0.48 vs 0.37 ± 0.48, P = .7). ConclusionDischarge prescription amounts for opioids in trauma patients decreased by approximately one-half after the implementation of opioid prescribing policies, and there was no compensatory increase in subsequent refill prescriptions. Future work is needed to evaluate the effect of these policies on the adequacy of pain management and functional recovery after injury.

Best Practice Alerts: A Poke in the Eye or an Efficient Method for Safer Prescribing?

Best Practice Alerts: A Poke in the Eye or an Efficient Method for Safer Prescribing?

The prescription drug monitoring program in a multifactorial approach to the opioid crisis: PDMP data, Pennsylvania, 2016–2020

BackgroundPrescription opioids remain an important contributor to the United States opioid crisis and to the development of opioid use disorder for opioid-naïve individuals. Recent legislative actions, such as the implementation of state prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs), aim to reduce opioid morbidity and mortality through enhanced tracking and reporting of prescription data. The primary objective of our study was to describe the opioid prescribing trends in the state of Pennsylvania (PA) as recorded by the PA PDMP following legislative changes in reporting guidelines, and discuss the PDMP’s role in a multifactorial approach to opioid harm reduction.MethodsState-level opioid prescription data summaries recorded by the PA PDMP for each calendar quarter from August 2016 through March 2020 were collected from the PA Department of Health. Data for oxycodone, hydrocodone, and morphine were analyzed by quarter for total prescription numbers and refills. Prescription lengths, pill quantities, and average morphine milliequivalents (MMEs) were analyzed by quarter for all 14 opioid prescription variants recorded by the PA PDMP. Linear regression was conducted for each group of variables to identify significant differences in prescribing trends.ResultsFor total prescriptions dispensed, the number of oxycodone, hydrocodone, and morphine prescriptions decreased by 34.4, 44.6, and 22.3% respectively (p < 0.0001). Refills fluctuated less consistently with general peaks in Q3 of 2017 and Q3 of 2018 (p = 0.2878). The rate of prescribing for all opioid prescription lengths decreased, ranging in frequency from 22 to 30 days (47.5% of prescriptions) to 31+ days of opioids (0.8% of prescriptions) (p < 0.0001). Similarly, decreased prescribing was observed for all prescription amounts, ranging in frequency from 22 to 60 pills (36.6% of prescriptions) to 60–90 pills (14.2% of prescriptions) (p < 0.0001). Overall, the average MME per opioid prescription decreased by 18.9%.ConclusionsPer the PA PDMP database, opioid prescribing has decreased significantly in PA from 2016 to 2020. The PDMP database is an important tool for tracking opioid prescribing trends in PA, and PDMPs structured similarly in other states may enhance our ability to understand and influence the trajectory of the U.S. opioid crisis. Further research is needed to determine optimal PDMP policies and practices nationwide.

806 Excess Postoperative Opioid Prescribing in Pediatric Neurosurgery

INTRODUCTION: Introduction: The opioid crisis is worsening in the United States with opioid overdose deaths reaching record highs in 2020. Opioid medications prescribed at hospital discharge provide an unwitting source of excess opioids posing unique risks to pediatric patients, with half of pediatric overdoses in patients &lt;2 years of age. Although legislative efforts have significantly limited opioid prescribing, recent studies suggest these medications may still be overprescribed. METHODS: Methods: Pediatric patients undergoing neurosurgical procedures at Riley Hospital for Children were identified prospectively. Surgery type, length of stay, and inpatient use of opioid and nonsteroidal (NSAID) medications were collected. Patients were contacted 7 days after hospital discharge and asked to report the number of post-discharge prescribed opioid and NSAID doses used. RESULTS: Results: 119 patients participated. An average of 22.3 doses of opioid medication were prescribed at discharge, with a mean 3.9 doses used at 7 days. Seventeen patients (14.3%) were prescribed concomitant NSAIDs, and 40 patients (33.6%) used zero doses of prescribed opioid medication. Patients aged ≤13 years used less prescribed opioid doses (x̄ = 15.1%) than patients aged 13-17 (x̄=23.8%). Trends toward increased opioid use in patients undergoing spinal procedures were observed. Patients prescribed NSAIDs used 19.4% of opioid doses compared to 17.2% in those not prescribed NSAIDs. CONCLUSIONS: Conclusion: Pediatric neurosurgery patients used only 17.5% of prescribed opioids in 7 days after hospital discharge, creating excess unused opioid medication that may increase the risk of accidental ingestion and misuse. Opioid prescription amounts were subsequently limited, and follow-up data collection continues. The present study highlights the need for educational initiatives for providers to minimize excess opioids prescribed and for parents to safely dispose of leftover opioid medication.

A comparison of family physician and dermatologist topical corticosteroid prescriptions: A population-based cross-sectional study

Topical corticosteroids (TCS) are commonly prescribed to treat inflammatory skin diseases, and appropriate prescription is necessary for treatment success. To quantify differences between TCS prescribed by dermatologists at consultation and family physicians for patients treated for any skin condition. Using administrative health data in Ontario, we included all Ontario Drug Benefit recipients who filled at least one TCS prescription from a dermatologist at consultation and a family physician in the year prior between January 2014 and December 2019. We estimated mean differences and 95% confidence intervals in amount (in grams) and potency between the index dermatologist prescription and the highest and most recent family physician prescription amounts and potencies in the preceding year using linear mixed-effect models. A total of 69,335 persons were included. The mean dermatologist amount was 34% larger than the highest amount and 54% larger than the most recent amount prescribed by family physicians. There were small but statistically significant differences in potency using established 7-category and 4-category potency classification systems. Compared to family physicians, dermatologists prescribed substantially larger amounts and similarly potent TCS at consultation. Further research is needed to determine the effect of these differences on clinical outcomes.

Prolonged Opioid Usage Following Hip Fracture Surgery in Opioid-Naïve Older Patients

BackgroundWhile the risk of long-term dependence following the opioid treatment of musculoskeletal injury is often studied in younger populations, studies in older patients have centered on short-term risks such as oversedation and delirium. This study investigated prolonged opioid usage after hip fracture in older individuals, focusing on prevalence, risk factors, and changes over time. MethodsIn this retrospective cohort study of 47,309 opioid-naïve patients aged ≥ 60 years who underwent hip fracture surgery (2009 to 2020), outpatient opioid use was evaluated in 3 postoperative time periods: P1 (day 0 to 30 postsurgery); P2 (day 31 to 90); and P3 (day 91 to 180). The primary outcome was prolonged outpatient opioid use, defined as having one or more opioid prescriptions dispensed in all 3 time periods. ResultsThe incidence of prolonged opioid usage among patients surviving to P3 was 6.3% (2,834 of 44,850). Initial prescription quantities decreased over time, as did the risk of prolonged opioid usage (from 8.0% in 2009 to 3.9% in 2019). In the multivariable analyses, risk factors for prolonged opioid usage included younger age, women, current/former smoking, fracture fixation (as compared to hemiarthroplasty), and anxiety. Prolonged opioid usage was less common among patients who were Asian or had a history of dementia. ConclusionsWhile prior research on the hazards of opioids in the elderly has focused on short-term risks such as oversedation and delirium, these findings suggest that prolonged opioid usage may be a risk for this older population as well. As initial prescription amounts have decreased, declines in prolonged opioid medication usage have also been observed.

Reducing Opioid Overprescribing through Procedure-specific Prescribing Guidelines.

A total of 561 plastic surgery patients were evaluated retrospectively after a prescribing guideline, which recommended postdischarge prescription amounts based on the type of operation, was introduced in July 2020. Prescription and postdischarge opioid consumption amounts before (n = 428) and after (n = 133) guideline implementation were compared. Patient satisfaction and prescription frequency of nonopioid analgesia were also compared. The average number of opioid pills per prescription decreased by 25% from 19.3 (27.4 OME) to 15.0 (22.7 OME; P = 0.001) after guideline implementation, with no corresponding decrease in the average number of postdischarge opioid pills consumed [10.6 (15.1 OME) to 8.2 (12.4 OME); P = 0.147]. Neither patient satisfaction with pain management (9.6-9.6; P > 0.99) nor communication (9.6-9.5; P > 0.99) changed. The rate of opioid-only prescription regimens decreased from 17.9% to 7.6% (P = 0.01), and more patients were prescribed at least two nonopioid analgesics (27.5% to 42.9%; P = 0.003). The rate of scheduled acetaminophen prescription, in particular, increased (54.7% to 71.4%; P = 0.002). A procedure-specific prescribing model is a straight-forward intervention to promote safer opioid-prescribing practices in plastic surgery. Its usage in clinical practice may lead to more appropriate opioid prescribing.

A Comparison of Postoperative Pain and Narcotic Prescriptions in Patients Undergoing Total Hip Arthroplasty Electively or for Femoral Neck Fracture

AbstractThe opioid epidemic has forced orthopaedic surgeons to reevaluate prescribing patterns and led hospitals to develop postoperative opioid-sparing protocols for patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA). The purpose of this study was to investigate patient-reported pain and narcotic requirements in patients undergoing THA for fracture (F-THA) or nonfracture diagnoses (THA-E). A retrospective analysis was performed on patients who underwent primary THA at a single academic institution between January 2013 and December 2020. Patients with postoperative opioid prescription and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain score data were included. Patients who underwent primary THA with a diagnosis of femoral neck fracture (THA-F) were matched 1:1 with patients without primary fracture diagnoses (THA-E) using nearest-neighbor propensity-score matching. Operative time, length of stay (LOS), discharge disposition, 90-day readmission rates, 90-day opioid prescription amounts (quantified by morphine milligram equivalents [MME]), and daily postoperative VAS pain scores (averaged over 24-hour periods) were compared. A total of 8,714 patients met inclusion criteria (THA-E: 8,362; THA-F: 352). The THA-F group was older and had a higher proportion of females and a lower mean body mass index than the THA-E group. There were 331 THA-F patients successfully matched to 331 THA-E patients. Operative time (113.6 ± 41.3 vs. 914.9 ± 32.6 minutes, p &lt; 0.001) and LOS (2.90 ± 2.82 vs. 2.32 ± 1.44 days, p &lt; 0.001) were longer in fracture patients. The THA-F demonstrated equivalent pain scores at 0 to 24 and 48 to 72 hours postoperatively but had slightly higher pain scores at 24 to 48 hours postoperatively (4.04 ± 1.67 vs. 3.71 ± 1.65, p = 0.028). Ninety-day opioid prescriptions were higher in the THA-E group (median [interquartile range], 150.0 [93.3–300.0] vs. 100.0 [40.0–200.0] MME, p = 0.034). In multivariate regression, a diagnosis of fracture was not associated with changes in MME administration. Patients undergoing primary THA electively and for femoral neck fractures can expect similar postoperative pain scores, though fracture patients may require less narcotics postoperatively. All patients should continue to be counseled preoperatively on the dangers and side effects of prolonged opioid use.

A Prospective Evaluation of Opioid Utilization Following Ankle Fracture Surgery

Category: Trauma; Ankle Introduction/Purpose: There has been significant scrutiny of physicians' opioid prescribing patterns for both operative and non- operative patients. Orthopaedic surgeons are the third highest group of opioid prescribers among physicians in the United States. The wide scope of orthopaedic procedures lends to the variability and difficulty in setting forth prescribing guidelines. Recent orthopedic literature has highlighted that orthopaedic surgeons are prescribing excess narcotic medication than is needed in common orthopaedic procedures. Ankle fractures make up about 9% of all fractures, which correlates to about 400,000 per year. The purpose of this study was to assess the amount of post-operative pain medication being prescribed and how much of that medication was being consumed in patients who underwent an open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) of an ankle fracture. Methods: We identified all patients that underwent a unilateral ORIF of a closed ankle fracture. We prospectively collected data on patients at the time of surgery. Patients were identified and enrolled in the study prior to their surgical procedure, where they were instructed to bring their pain medication bottle with them to their first post-operative visit. Patients were asked about the quantity of opioids consumed. At the twelve-week post-op, the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Score (AOFAS) was completed by the patient. We recorded the number, dosage, and formulation of opioid medication prescribed up to 90 days after surgery using the Pennsylvania Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) website. Using opioid equianalgesic charts, we converted dosages of opioid to a morphine milligram equivalent (MEq) to standardize prescription amounts across all patients. Descriptive statistics were calculated and reported. Categorical data were compared using chi-square tests and quantitative data were compared using independent sample t-tests. Results: 75 patients were included in our study, 45 of which were female. The mean age of the patient was 46.7 years old with a range from 17-77 years old. On average, 400MEq were prescribed to the patient after surgery. Patients consumed an average of 258 MEq within the 2 weeks following surgery, which accounted for about 65% of the initial prescription. Thirty (13.3%) patients consumed their entire first prescription. Patients who consumed the full opioid prescription were 8.7 times more likely (95% CI 2.6, 29.3, X2(1)=14.1, p&lt;0.001) to have other scripts filled in the PDMP. After adjusting for inequal variances, an independent samples t-test found that subjects that did not consume the full prescription also had statistically significantly higher functionality scores (82 vs. 70) than patients that consumed the full prescribed amount (p=0.001). Conclusion: We found the average patient consumes the equivalent of 34 pills of 5mg oxycodone after undergoing an open reduction internal fixation of an ankle fracture. Our providers over prescribed, on average, by 21 total pills. 9.3% of patients were still requiring narcotic pain medication ninety days post-operatively. Those patients who did not consume their first narcotic prescription were found to have statistically better functional outcome scores compared to those who did. Further studies should continue to assess patient characteristics, surgeon techniques, and prescribing habits to further improve post-operative pain control in patients undergoing open reduction internal fixation of ankle fractures.

Race, Gender, and Primary Language Were Not Associated With Changes in Opioid Prescribing in Children: Results From a Single Institution, 2010 to 2020.

Patients should be prescribed medication based on their medical condition, without prejudice because of their race, gender, or primary language. However, previous research has shown that men are prescribed more medication than women, patients who are White are prescribed more medications than patients who are non-White, and English-speaking people are prescribed more medications than non-English-speaking patients. However, it is unclear whether these differences also occur in pediatric orthopaedic populations. We asked: (1) Was the amount of opiates prescribed at discharge associated with patient age, gender, race, or primary language? (2) Did the amount of opiates prescribed to patients at discharge change from 2010 to 2020? In a single center, between January 2010 and December 2019, we treated 331 patients younger than 18 years surgically for upper and lower long-bone extremity fractures. Patients were considered eligible if they had a nonpathologic fracture. Femur fractures were not included. Based on these criteria, all patients were eligible. The mean age was 12 ± 4 years. The mean weight was 57 ± 33 kg. Among these patients, 76% (253 of 331) were boys and 24% (78 of 331) were girls. From the hospital discharge records, we recorded the amount of opiates prescribed at the time of discharge as measured by morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs). We examined the association of age, gender, race, primary language, weight, and year of treatment using this measurement. We determined a patient's race retrospectively by information given by their parents at time of admission. We did not attempt to contact patients to obtain more nuanced information about their racial background. These data were obtained from the electronic health record. The Wilcoxon rank sum test, t-test, or chi-square test was used to assess associations depending on the distribution of variables, as appropriate. Because opioids as measured in MMEs is zero-inflated, a two-part model analysis was used to adjust for confounding variables. One component of the model was for the probability of having any opiate prescription and another was for the mean number of opioids received. Findings were considered statistically significant if p values were < 0.05. In total, 57% (189 of 331) of children were prescribed opiates at discharge after surgery for long-bone fractures. Opiate MMEs increased with patient age (r = 0.38; p < 0.01). Boys and girls showed no difference in the amounts of pain medication (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.38 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.80 to 2.39]; p = 0.71; adjusted opioid difference: 0.35 MME [95% CI -51.7 to 52.4]; p = 0.99), nor were there differences between patients who were White and those who were non-White (adjusted OR 0.78 [95% CI 0.49 to 1.23]; p = 0.28; adjusted opioid difference: 21.5 MME [95% CI -19.3 to 62.4]; p = 0.30), or between patients for whom English was there primary language and those for whom English was not their primary language (adjusted OR 1.16 [95% CI 0.52 to 2.57]; p = 0.71; adjusted opioid difference: 22.7 MME [95% CI -55.7 to 101.3]; p = 0.57) when adjusted for age and weight. There was no change in opioid prescription amounts from 2010 to 2020 after adjusting for changes in patient age across years (Spearman r = -0.08; p = 0.16). Fairness in opioid prescribing based on race, gender, or primary language is possible. Additional research is needed to determine what factors in our institution led to this result. We suggest that prescribers should apply consistent protocols based on factors such as weight or injury type rather than making individual decisions for each patient. This will lead to fairer opioid prescribing to patients from different race and gender groups. Level III, therapeutic study.

Tramadol Versus Codeine in Hand Surgery.

IntroductionTramadol and codeine are both commonly prescribed in the setting of surgery or injury to the upper extremity. Despite their comparable strength in terms of opioid receptor affinity, the drugs differ pharmacologically and thus are not completely interchangeable.MethodsThis study analyzes all prescriptions for codeine and tramadol by a group of hand surgeons over a one-year period and tests the central hypothesis that the prescribing and refill patterns of these two drugs would be similar.ResultsDespite similar prescription amounts in terms of morphine equivalents, patients receiving tramadol required prescription refills at a significantly higher amount than those receiving codeine, and these individuals tended to be older. Additionally, patients treated nonoperatively were prescribed significantly more tramadol than those treated surgically.ConclusionOur findings suggest that codeine and tramadol are not equivalent in managing upper extremity pain. Further study is needed to articulate the situations in which physicians and patients are better served by tramadol versus codeine.

Patient-specific factors, but neither regional anesthesia nor hip-specific cryotherapy, predict postoperative opioid requirements after hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) syndrome

BackgroundWe sought to determine whether regional nerve block, cryotherapy variant, or patient-specific factors predict postoperative opioid requirements and pain control following hip arthroscopy. Methods104 patients underwent hip arthroscopy with (n = 31) or without (n = 73) regional block and received cryotherapy with a universal pad [joint non-specific; no compression (n = 60)] or circumferential hip/groin wrap with intermittent compression (n = 44). Outcomes included total opioid prescription amounts, requests for refills, and unplanned clinical encounters for postoperative pain within 45 days of surgery. Multivariate modeling was used to determine the effect of perioperative regional nerve block and type of cryotherapy device on outcomes after adjusting for patient demographics, previous opioid use, mental health disorder history, and surgery length. ResultsThe average amount of 5 mg oxycodone pill equivalents prescribed within 45 days of surgery was 40.5 (SD 14.8); 36% requested refills, 20% presented to another physician, and 21% called the surgeon's office due to pain. Neither the hip-specific cryotherapy pad nor regional block was predictive of opioid amounts prescribed, refill requests, or unplanned clinical encounters due to pain. Refill requests within 45 days were more common with baseline opioid use (p < 0.001), increased age (p = 0.007), and mental health disorder history (p = 0.008). Total opioid amounts prescribed within 45 days were higher with workers compensation (p = 0.03), a larger initial opioid prescription (p < 0.001), baseline opioid use (p < 0.001), history of mental health disorder (p = 0.02), and increased age (p = 0.02). Together, these variables explained 61% of the variance in opioid amounts prescribed. ConclusionPatient factors are strong predictors of postoperative opioid requirements after hip arthroscopy. Postoperative opioid prescription amounts, opioid refill requests, and pain-related calls or office visits were not affected by use of a perioperative regional nerve block or type of cryotherapy delivery system. Level of evidenceIII, retrospective cohort study.

Opioid use after uro-oncologic surgeries in time of opioid crisis.

Recent literature emphasizes how overprescription and lack of guidelines contribute to wide variation in opioid prescribing practices and opioid-related harms. We conducted a prospective, observational study to evaluate opioid prescriptions among uro-oncologic patients discharged following elective in-patient surgery. Patients who underwent four surgeries were included: open retropubic radical prostatectomy, robot-assisted radical prostatectomy, laparoscopic radical nephrectomy, and laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. The primary outcome was the dose of opioids used after discharge (in oral morphine equivalents [MEq]). Secondary outcomes included: opioid requirements for 80% of the patients, management of unused opioids, opioid use three months postoperative, opioid prescription refills, and guidance about opioid disposal. Sixty patients were included for analysis. Patients used a mean of 30 MEq (95% confidence interval 17.8-42.2) at home and 80% of the patients used 50 MEq or less. A mean of 40.4 MEq per patient was overprescribed. Fifty percent of the patients kept the remaining opioids at home, with only 20.0% returning them to their pharmacy. After three months, 5.0% of the patients were using opioids at least occasionally. Three patients needed a new opioid prescription. Forty percent reported having received information regarding management of unused opioids. We found 60% of opioids prescribed were unused, with half of our patients keeping these unused tablets at home. Our results suggest appropriate opioid prescription amounts needed for urological cancer surgery, with 80% of the patients using 50 MEq or less of morphine equivalents.

Surgical Residency Programs Should Leverage Recent Advances in National Policy, Real-World Data, and Public Opinion to Improve Post-Surgery Opioid Prescribing.

Surgical Residency Programs Should Leverage Recent Advances in National Policy, Real-World Data, and Public Opinion to Improve Post-Surgery Opioid Prescribing.

Postoperative opioid prescribing patterns in the geriatric patient population

BackgroundOpioid prescription patterns in elderly patients undergoing general surgery are not well characterized. The purpose of this study was to identify trends in postoperative opioid prescriptions in geriatric patients undergoing general surgery procedures and determine prescribing differences between the geriatric and non-geriatric patient population. MethodsWe retrospectively evaluated geriatric and non-geriatric patients undergoing the most frequently performed open and laparoscopic general surgery procedures at our institution from 2014 to 2019. Differences in opioid prescriptions between the groups were analyzed. ResultsWe identified 5874 non-geriatric and 3306 geriatrics patients who underwent the included procedures at our institution. 5169 (88.0%) of non-geriatric patients and 2692 (81.4%) of geriatric patients received a perioperative opioid prescription. While the vast majority of both groups were prescribed opioids, geriatric patients were less likely to receive an opioid prescription (p < 0.0001). Between 2016 and 2019, the amount of opioid prescribed in the geriatric population decreased each year (p < 0.0001). Prescription amounts were significantly higher in geriatric patients aged 65–74 compared to patients 85 or older (p < 0.0001). ConclusionsIndividuals older than 65 years of age represent a growing percent of the population and there is a need to better understand opioid prescribing practices in this complex patient group. Postoperative opioid prescribing patterns differ significantly between the geriatric and non-geriatric patient population and warrant further investigation.

More than half of opioids prescribed to pediatric patients after ambulatory knee surgery are unused.

To determine the number of opioid pills remaining after pediatric ambulatory knee surgery to provide insight into how many pills are actually used. Prospective observational cohort study. Participants who were expected to be prescribed 20 (Group 1) versus 40 (Group 2) opioid pills according to the institutional policy (based on the type of surgery) were studied. Patient's reported pain, medication use, and number of opioid pills remaining at post-operative days (PODs) 7 and 14. Participants were not randomly assigned to groups and no intervention was applied. An urban tertiary care musculoskeletal institution. Sixty adolescents between the ages of 12 and 19 undergoing ambulatory knee surgery. Observational study, no experimental study intervention. The total number of opioid pills remaining. By POD7, more than 70 percent of patients had stopped taking their prescribed opioid medication mainly because their knee pain was tolerable either without the opioid or by using other medications. By POD14, the mean number of pills taken was 6.3 ± 5.3 for Group 1 and 18.4 ± 13.9 for Group 2. The mean number of unused opioids was 13.5 ± 7.2 for Group 1 and 17.9 ± 13.7 for Group 2. Even with prescribing practice guidelines in place, opioids may be overprescribed and could be given in a smaller quantity without affecting the quality of acute postoperative pain control in adolescents undergoing ambulatory knee surgery. However, one needs to consider that some patients may need a larger than average amount in order to be appropriately treated for their level of pain and thus prescription amounts-preferably after reevaluation-should be individualized.

Patient and surgical factors affect postoperative opioid prescription for orthopaedic trauma patients undergoing single-admission, single-surgery fracture fixation: a retrospective cohort study

Background: The authors sought to determine patient and surgical factors associated with increased postoperative opioid prescription requirements as an inpatient, during the first 6 wk, and beyond 6 wk for orthopaedic trauma patients undergoing single-admission, single-surgery fracture fixation. Methods: Two hundred patients who underwent fixation of isolated fractures (pelvis n=50, hip n=50, periarticular n=50, long bone n=50) were included in the study. Multivariate regression modeling was utilized to determine predictors of inpatient opioid usage. Results: Patients were prescribed an average of 7.9±9.1 5-milligram (mg) pills of oxycodone during the last 24 hr of inpatient opioid administration, 131±132.1 pills during 6-week outpatient period, and 23 (11%) patients continued to be prescribed opioids beyond 6 wk. Twenty-nine (14.5%) patients received opioids from a provider other than the treating surgeon or emergency department. Seventy-eight (39%) patients received at least one additional prescription for opioids after the initial discharge prescription. Predictors of increased inpatient opioid requirements during the last 24 hr were: younger age, baseline opioid use, longer length of surgery, and tobacco use. Predictors of higher 6-week outpatient opioid prescription amounts were younger age, increased operative time, baseline opioid use, unemployment, pelvic fractures, and inpatient opioid use during the 24 hr before discharge. Baseline opioid use, tobacco use, and pelvic fracture were all independent risk factures for opioid prescription beyond the 6-week follow-up period. Conclusions: Opioid use and prescription for orthopaedic trauma patents following single-admission, single-surgery fracture fixation is strongly predicted by surgical and patient factors. Level of Evidence: Level III.