Risk Factors for Prolonged Opioid Use After Ankle Fracture Surgery

The incidence of ankle fractures is increasing, and risk factors for prolonged opioid use after ankle fracture fixation are unknown. Accordingly, the purpose of this study was to investigate risk factors that lead to prolonged opioid use after surgery.

The Truven MarketScan database was used to identify patients who underwent ankle fracture surgery from January 2009 to December 2018 based on CPT codes. Patient characteristics were collected, and patients separated into 3 cohorts based on postoperative opioid use (no refills, refills within 6 months postoperative, and refills within 1 year postoperatively). The χ² test and multivariate analysis were performed to assess the association between risk factors and prolonged use.

In total, 34 691 patients were analyzed. Comorbidities most highly associated with prolonged opioid use include 2+ preoperative opioid prescriptions (odds ratio [OR] = 11.92; P < .001), tobacco use (OR = 2.03; P < .001), low back pain (OR = 1.81; P < .001), depression (OR = 1.48; P < .001), diabetes (OR = 1.34; P < .001), and alcohol abuse (OR = 1.32; P < .001).

Opioid use after ankle fracture surgery is common and may be necessary; however, prolonged opioid use and development of dependence carries significant risk. Identifying those patients at an increased risk for prolonged opioid use can aid providers in tailoring their postoperative pain regimen.

Prognostic, Level III.