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Opioid prescriptions are twice as likely to be refilled by patients who underwent TKA vs THA
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Opioid prescriptions were twice as likely to be refilled by and prescribed at a greater total morphine equivalent dose to patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty compared with patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty, according to results published in The Journal of Arthroplasty.
William L. Healy, MD, and colleagues used online prescription information to calculate the number of filled prescriptions, total morphine equivalent dose and quantity of pills, and date of last opioid prescription among 197 patients who underwent TKA and 186 patients who underwent THA. Researchers further categorized patients based on whether they obtained an opioid refill. Researchers also compared opioid data between patients who underwent TKA vs. THA and examined relationships between comorbidities and refill status.
Results showed patients who underwent TKA had a greater number of prescriptions, total quantity and morphine equivalent dose, as well as days on opioids vs. patients who underwent THA. Researchers found patients who underwent TKA also required more refills for a greater quantity of pills. Results showed patients who underwent TKA had a significant correlation between the need for refill opioid prescriptions with the presence of comorbidity or depression/anxiety. Patients who underwent TKA with a comorbidity had a 3.1-times increased risk in refills and patients with anxiety/depression had a 2.5-times greater risk of refills, according to results.
“Orthopedic surgeons can provide leadership in addressing the opiate crisis in our country by establishing valid data regarding opiate utilization following orthopedic operations and by developing improved, postoperative pain treatment protocols,” Healy told Healio.com/Orthopedics. “Opiate prescribing patterns should be based on science and evidence-based research.” – by Casey Tingle
Disclosures: Healy reports no relevant financial disclosures. Please see the full study for a list of all other authors’ relevant financial disclosures.
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