Prolonged opioid use after distal radius fracture.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Pain Management
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Distal radius fractures are common injuries.
• Prolonged opioid use (over 90 days) post-injury increases adverse event risk.
• Understanding opioid prescription patterns after fracture is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate opioid prescription patterns following distal radius fractures.
• Identify pre- and post-fracture factors influencing prolonged opioid use.

Main Methods:

• Register-based cohort study in Skåne, Sweden (2015-2018).
• Followed 9369 adult patients for 1 year post-fracture.
• Analyzed opioid purchases and risk factors using modified Poisson regression.

Main Results:

• 7.1% of patients experienced prolonged opioid use (4-6 months).
• Previous opioid use (even discontinued up to 5 years prior) significantly increased risk.
• Mental illness and surgery also elevated risk; occupational/physical therapy reduced it.

Conclusions:

• History of mental illness and prior opioid use are key predictors of prolonged use.
• Rehabilitation and careful consideration of past opioid use are vital for prevention.