Title

Prevalence and Predictors of Long-term Opioid Use After Pelvic Fractures.

Authors

Nicole Ann Elvambuena Villa
Kristina Shum
Allison Atkinson
Adrian Ong, Department of Surgery, Reading Hospital, Reading, PA, USA.Follow
Alison Muller, Department of Surgery, Reading Hospital, Reading, PA, USA.Follow
Eduardo Espiridion, Department of Psychiatry, Reading Hospital, Reading, PA, USAFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

5-5-2023

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Opioids are effective in short-term pain treatment; however, their long-term effectiveness is unconfirmed. Many patients are exposed to opioids after pelvic injuries with little known about persistent use afterward. We assessed the prevalence and predictors of long-term opioid use following pelvic fractures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study enrolled 277 patients with acute pelvic fractures over five years. Daily and total morphine milligram equivalents (MME) were calculated. The primary outcome was long-term opioid use (LOU) defined as ongoing opioid use 60-90 days post-discharge. The secondary outcome was intermediate-term opioid use (IOU) defined as ongoing opioid use 30-60 days post-discharge. Univariable and logistic regression analyses were performed.

RESULTS: Median (interquartile range) total inpatient opioid MME was 422 (157-1667) with a median daily MME of 69 (26-145). Long-term opioid use occurred in 16%, and IOU occurred in 29%. Univariable analysis found that total and daily inpatient opioid use were each significantly associated with LOU (median MME, 1241 vs 371; median MMEs, 127.7 vs 59.2, respectively) and IOU (median MME, 1140 vs 326; median MMEs, 111.8 vs 57.9, respectively). Logistic regression analysis found daily inpatient MME ≥50 (odds ratio [OR] 3.027, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.059-8.652]) and pelvic fracture type (Tile B/C) (OR 2.992 [CI 1.324-6.763])were independent predictors of LOU.

CONCLUSION: Total and daily inpatient opioid use were significantly associated with LOU and IOU. Patients who received ≥50 MME/inpatient day had a higher likelihood of LOU. This study seeks to inform clinical decisions for pain management to prevent adverse outcomes.

Publication Title

The American surgeon

First Page

31348231173975

Last Page

31348231173975

Comments

online ahead of print

Recommended Citation

Villa, N., Shum, K., Atkinson, A., Ong, A., Muller, A., & Espiridion, E. (2023). Prevalence and Predictors of Long-term Opioid Use After Pelvic Fractures.. The American surgeon, 31348231173975-31348231173975. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1177/00031348231173975