Is Opioid-Limiting Legislation Effective for Hand Surgery Patients?

ABSTRACT:

Background

The Rhode Island State Legislature passed the Uniform Controlled Substances Act in 2016 to limit opioid prescriptions. We aimed to objectively evaluate its effect on opioid prescribing for hand surgery patients and also identify risk factors for prolonged opioid use.

Methods

A 6-month period (January-June 2016) prior to passage of the law was compared with a period following its implementation (July-December 2017). Thumb carpometacarpal arthroplasty and distal radius fracture fixation were classified as "major surgery" and carpal tunnel and trigger finger release as "minor surgery." Prescription Drug Monitoring Database was used to review controlled substances filled during the study periods.

Results

A total of 1380 patients met our inclusion criteri

SUBMITTER: Shah KN 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9608291 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature