Patients with a history of marijuana use consume fewer prescription opioids following surgery for distal radius fractures (bone wrist fractures).
This is according to a study published in the International Open Access Journal of the American Society for Plastic Surgeons. The purpose of this study “was to evaluate opioid demand after open reduction and internal fixation of distal radius fractures in patients with and without a diagnosis of cannabis use.”
Researchers from the University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Center compared the demand for opioids among cannabis consumers (cases) and non-users (controls) following wrist surgery. They reported, “[T]here was a significant reduction in average MME [morphine milligram equivalents] for the case population’s initial opioid prescription compared with the control population.”
Researchers found that the rates of prescription refills before and after surgery were congruent in both the case and control populations and did not show significant differences.
“The average morphine milligram equivalents of patients’ first opioid prescription was significantly reduced in the case population compared with the control (352.26 versus 480.61 morphine milligram equivalents/prescription, P = 0.005). A history of chronic opioid use was the strongest predictor of prolonged opioid prescription refills after surgery.”
The study concludes:
This study found a significant reduction in opioid volume in patients with a diagnosis of cannabis use who filled an opioid prescription after open reduction and internal fixation of distal radius fractures. Mental health diagnoses, specifically depression, showed an increased risk of multiple opioid prescription refills in patients without a diagnosis of cannabis use.
