Post-discharge opioid utilization patterns in orthopedic patients are underestimated: an explorative study

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Aim This study explores morphine use among patients after discharge following total hip (THA) or knee arthroplasty (TKA).Method Morphine use was monitored for 14 days post-discharge. Patients recorded their morphine intake and reported pain using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Incomplete reports were excluded from longitudinal analysis. Median tablet count and total morphine use in milligram equivalents (MME) were calculated. Patients were categorized as non-users (0 mmE), short-term users (<100 mmE), and consistent users (>100 mmE).Results Of the 67 patients, six dropped out. Among the remaining, 22 (36.7%) took no morphine, while 38 (63.3%) took at least one dose, with a median VAS-score of 5. Short-term users (n = 19) averaged a total of 40 mmE, mainly in the first three days, while consistent users (n = 15) averaged in total 220 mmE during follow-up, tapering gradually. After 14 days, 3% continued usage. Four patients with incomplete data were excluded. However, for those was found that this was due to or related to the fact that they used a large amount of morphine.Conclusion Most patients used minimal or no morphine, tapering off within two weeks.

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