Opioid Use After Knee Arthroscopy

Abstract

Purpose: To quantify the use of 5 mg oxycodone by patients who have undergone knee arthroscopy. Methods: Patients who underwent knee arthroscopy at 2 institutions between May 2018 and May 2019 were identified retrospectively. Patients were called and queried about the following metrics: total postoperative opioid consumption, preoperative opioid consumption (defined as within 3 months of surgery), smoking status, and history of depression. The total number of opioids prescribed and number of refills were determined according to each patient’s chart. State databases were reviewed for additional opioid prescriptions. Results: A total of 100 patients were included in this study. Patients were prescribed a median of 5 pills (range, 5 to 40). Median postoperative opioid consumption was 0 pills, with a mean of 1.9 pills (14.3 oral morphine equivalents) and a range of 0 to 25 pills of oxycodone 5 mg. Of the patients, 97% did not obtain refills, and 58% of the patients did not consume any opioids. Overall, 90% of all patients consumed ≤ 5 pills. Conclusions: Of the patients, 90% o consumed 5 or fewer opioid pills (oxycodone 5 mg) following knee arthroscopy, with more than half of the patients consuming 0 pills. As a result, we recommend that 5 oxycodone 5 mg pills serve as an objective guideline for opioid prescription following knee arthroscopy. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.