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The Variable Effects of NSAIDs on Osteotomy Healing and Opioid Consumption
Austin Fragomen1, Jaehee Suh1, Kelsey Matta1
1Department of Clinical Orthopaedics, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, The Hospital for Special Surgery (Dr. Fragomen and Dr. Rozbruch); Limb Lengthening and Complex Reconstruction Service, The Hospital for Special Surgery (Dr. Fragomen and Dr. Rozbruch); Hospital for Special Surgery (Ms. Suh), New York, NY; Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, PA (Ms. Matta); Department of Medicine and Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Center for Quantitative Health, Simches Research Building, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School (Dr. McCoy); and Center for Quantitative Health, Simches Research Building, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School (Ms. Hart), Boston, MA.
Abstract:
In an effort to fight the opioid epidemic, an NSAID pain protocol was created for osteotomy patients. The study asked if NSAIDs negatively affect bone healing or reduce the need for opioids.
Methods:
This was a retrospective review of 155 limbs that underwent osteotomy of a long bone with fixation. Patients received an NSAID-free protocol or an NSAID protocol. Time to union and bone healing index were recorded.
Results:
There was not a significant difference in the time to union (P = 0.89) or bone healing index (P = 0.07). In the deformity correction group, the total milligrams of morphine equivalents prescribed after discharge was significantly less in patients receiving NSAIDs (P < 0.001).
Conclusions:
The use of NSAIDs after osteotomy surgery did not negatively affect bone healing and resulted in a dramatic decrease in narcotic consumption for deformity correction patients.
Level Of Evidence:
Level III retrospective cohort study.
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