A Reduction in Opioid Prescription Size After Total Joint Arthroplasty Can be Safely Performed Without an Increase in Complications.

Background: Excessive opioid prescriptions after total joint arthroplasty (TJA) increase risks for adverse opioid-related events, chronic opioid use, and unlawful opioid diversion. Decreasing postoperative prescriptions may improve quality after TJA. Concerns exist that a decrease in opioids prescribed may increase complications, such as readmissions, emergency department (ED) visits, or worsened patient-reported outcomes (PROs). The purpose of this study was to explore whether a reduction in opioids prescribed after TJA resulted in increased complications.

Methods: Data originated from a statewide database prospectively abstracted, including oral morphine equivalents prescribed at discharge, readmissions, ED visits, and PROs. Data were collected from 84,998 TJA occurring 1 year before and after the creation of an opioid-prescribing protocol that had decreased prescriptions by approximately 50%. Trends were monitored using Shewhart control charts. Regression models were used to determine statistically significant changes over time.

Results: All groups showed a reduction in opioids prescribed by almost 50% without an increase in emergency room visits or readmissions and without a detrimental effect on PROs. Compared to baseline data before opioid reduction, opioid-naive total knee arthroplasty had significant improvements in all outcomes (P = .03, P = .02, P < .001, P < .001). Opioid-tolerant total knee arthroplasty and total hip arthroplasty had no worsened outcomes and significant improvement in (Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome score for Joint Replacement P = .03) and (Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score for Joint Replacement P = .03). Opioid-naive total hip arthroplasty had significant improvements in Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score Joint Replacement (P = .003) and Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (P = .001).

Conclusions: Postoperative opioid prescription recommendations from a statewide registry decreased prescribing by approximately 50% without decreasing PROs or increasing ED visits or readmissions. A reduction in opioids prescribed after TJA can be accomplished safely and without increased complications.