Regional Anesthesia for Wrist Fractures and Dislocations: Are We Really Blocking Opioid Prescribing?

ABSTRACT:

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of regional anesthesia for the treatment of wrist fractures or dislocation on opioid prescription-filling patterns.

Methods

Patients undergoing surgery for hand and wrist fractures or dislocations from 2010 to 2018 were identified by using a national insurance claims database. Patients were stratified by procedures conducted with and without regional anesthesia. Preoperative opioids were defined by a filled opioid prescription within 1 month prior to surgery, postoperative within 1 month following the surgery, and prolonged postoperative 3 to 6 months following surgery. Patients' demographic data, comorbidities, additional medications, 30-day emergency department (ED) visits, and hospital readmissions were analyzed.

SUBMITTER: Moran TE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11653294 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature