Opioid Prescription Patterns Following Zone II Flexor Tendon Repairs: A National Database Study.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Pain Management
• Public Health

Background:

• The opioid epidemic remains a significant public health issue.
• Postoperative opioid prescriptions contribute to adverse effects and dependency.
• Understanding opioid use after flexor tendon repair (FTR) is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate opioid prescribing patterns following zone II FTR.
• Identify factors correlating with opioid use within 90 days post-surgery.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cohort study using a large administrative claims database (2010-2020).
• Analyzed demographic, clinical, and opioid prescription data for primary zone II FTR patients.
• Multivariate linear analysis assessed trends and correlating factors in opioid prescribing.

Main Results:

• Opioids prescribed to 72.1% of 19,574 patients undergoing zone II FTR.
• While the percentage of patients receiving opioids remained stable, prescription quantity and morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs) declined over time.
• Older age, male sex, higher comorbidity, and geographic region correlated with MMEs prescribed.

Conclusions:

• Opioid prescribing persists after zone II FTR, despite reduced quantities per patient.
• Demographic and regional factors highlight opportunities for more consistent and targeted pain management strategies.
• Findings can guide more personalized pain management protocols for FTR patients.