Extended-release opioids after joint replacement linked to more persistent use

A population-based study of over 258,000 Ontario patients undergoing elective total hip or knee arthroplasty found that 12.1% filled a new extended-release opioid (ERO) prescription after discharge. After propensity score weighting, filling an ERO prescription was associated with increased odds of persistent postoperative opioid use (aOR 1.08), 90-day readmissions (aOR 1.09), and emergency department visits (aOR 1.16), though it was also associated with lower total health system costs and slightly more days alive at home at one year. The authors state these findings reinforce a cautious approach to postoperative ERO prescribing.

Most relevant for: Patients undergoing elective total hip or knee arthroplasty and clinicians managing their postoperative pain prescriptions.

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