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Opioid Usage after Hallux Valgus Correction Surgery

Authors :
J.B. Jackson MD
Zachary T. Thier
Matthew E. Barfield BS
Kenna C. Altobello APRN
Tyler A. Gonzalez MD, MBA
Source :
Foot & Ankle Orthopaedics, Vol 7 (2022)
Publication Year :
2022
Publisher :
SAGE Publishing, 2022.

Abstract

Category: Bunion; Other Introduction/Purpose: More than 200,000 surgeries for hallux valgus correction occur annually in the United States. Due to the post-operative pain associated with the procedure, opioids are often prescribed to help manage pain. Given the lack of objective data on opioid use and the difficulty of addressing a patient's post-operative pain, we sought to quantify, through a prospective analysis, patient's narcotic use after hallux valgus surgery. The purpose of our study was to determine the average quantity and type of post-operative opioids consumed after hallux valgus surgery and to assess potential predictive factors for increased opioid consumption. Methods: Adult patients undergoing primary hallux valgus surgery were recruited from two foot and ankle fellowship trained orthopedic surgeons at a single institution. At the pre-operative visit, patients were consented and completed a demographical questionnaire. Data was collected from the operative and PACU record, as well as the 2, 6, and 12-week post-operative visits. A statistical analysis was performed to determine the average quantity of opioid and non-opioid pain medication consumed post- operatively, as well as any statistically significant correlations. Results: For the 58 subjects who completed treatment and data collection in the PACU, 53 consumed opioids. Initial prescriptions for these patients included Hydrocodone, 39 (73.58%) Oxycodone, 13 (24.52%) and Meperidine, 1 (1.89%). The average number of opioid pills collectively consumed at the two-week and 12-week post-operative visit was 19.99 and 22.52, respectively. At the two-week postoperative visit, only patient BMI showed a statistically significant association with increased opioid use. Conclusion: On average, patients consumed 22-24 narcotic pain pills after hallux valgus reconstruction surgery. If a physician prescribed 24 narcotics pills after surgery to patients that are not currently utilizing narcotic pain medication, there is a 95% chance they will not need additional pain medication during the two-week postoperative period.

Subjects

Subjects :
Orthopedic surgery
RD701-811

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
24730114
Volume :
7
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Foot & Ankle Orthopaedics
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.25bcb52ef01640eda0b83ae427e40aba
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1177/2473011421S00262