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

Publication date: Available online 12 April 2018
Source:Injury
Author(s): Rikki M. Koehler, Ugochi C. Okoroafor, Lisa K. Cannada
BackgroundThe United States is in a prescription opioid crisis. Orthopedic surgeons prescribe more opioid narcotics than any other surgical specialty. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the state of opioid use after extremity trauma in orthopedic surgery.MethodsA computerized literature search of PubMed/MEDLINE was conducted to evaluate the status of opioids after extremity fractures. Six articles were identified and included in the review.ResultsPatients who consume more opioids communicate greater pain intensity and less satisfaction with pain control. Intraoperative multimodal drug injection and nerve blockade are viable alternatives for postoperative pain control and can help decrease systemic opioid use. Orthopedic surgeons are overprescribing opioids. Compared to other countries, the United States consumes more opioids with no better satisfaction with pain control.ConclusionOrthopedic trauma surgeons should tailor their postoperative opioid prescriptions to the individual patient and utilize alternative options in order to control postoperative pain. Patients should be counseled regarding narcotic addiction and dependence. Patients unable to manage pain postoperatively should be followed closely and receive the proper chronic pain management, mental and social health services referrals.



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