Narrative review examining the scope of the U.S. opioid epidemic as it specifically intersects with orthopedic surgery — quantifying the specialty's prescribing burden, documenting the clinical consequences for orthopedic patients, and synthesizing objective strategies for identifying patients at risk for nontherapeutic opioid use.
When prescribing opioids post-operatively, screen every patient for preinjury opioid use, psychiatric comorbidities, and aberrant behaviors — these are your strongest predictors of prolonged use and doctor shopping.
Use a standardized taper protocol with a defined transition to NSAIDs/acetaminophen to set expectations early and make deviations from the norm immediately visible to you and your staff.
Narrative review examining the scope of the U.S. opioid epidemic as it specifically intersects with orthopedic surgery — quantifying the specialty's prescribing burden, documenting the clinical consequences for orthopedic patients, and synthesizing objective strategies for identifying patients at risk for nontherapeutic opioid use.
When prescribing opioids post-operatively, screen every patient for preinjury opioid use, psychiatric comorbidities, and aberrant behaviors — these are your strongest predictors of prolonged use and doctor shopping.
Use a standardized taper protocol with a defined transition to NSAIDs/acetaminophen to set expectations early and make deviations from the norm immediately visible to you and your staff.