Variation in perioperative opioid use after total joint arthroplasty

OBJECTIVE: We studied variation in perioperative opioid use after total joint arthroplasty with respect to patient and procedure characteristics in order to inform initiatives to optimize pain relief. METHODS: We recorded perioperative opioid consumption for a cohort of total joint arthroplasty patients to identify factors underlying variation in perioperative opioid use. RESULTS: Younger patient age, tobacco use, greater symptoms of depression, private insurance, and knee arthroplasty were associated with increased opioid consumption. CONCLUSIONS: Awareness of the patient characteristics associated with increased perioperative opioid use can help inform implementation of targeted strategies for safe, optimal pain relief and satisfaction.