Association between sex and perioperative opioid prescribing for total joint arthroplasty: a retrospective population-based study

BackgroundScarce data exist on differential opioid prescribing between men and women in the pre-, peri-, postoperative phases of care among patients undergoing total hip/knee arthroplasty (THA/TKA).MethodsIn this retrospective population-based study, Truven Health MarketScan claims were used to establish differences (1) year before THA/TKA surgery, (2) amount opioids prescribed at discharge, (3) chronic (3–12 months after surgery). Multivariable regression models measured odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI).ResultsAmong 29 038 THAs (42% men) 48 523 TKAs (52% (compared women) less likely receive an prescription surgery (54% vs 60%, 54% 60% for THA TKA, respectively); P<0.001. However, multivariable analyses male sex was associated higher dosages discharge (OR=1.04; CI 1.03, 1.06) TKA (OR=1.05; 1.04, 1.06); both Chronic found 10% cohort (THA: n=2333; TKA: n=5365). Here, demonstrated lower persistent specifically (OR=0.90; 0.82, 0.99) but not (OR=0.96; 0.90, 1.02); P=0.026 P=0.207, respectively.ConclusionsWe sex-based across all THA/TKA. The results highlight temporal opportunities targeted interventions improve outcomes joint arthroplasty, particularly women, decrease prescribing.