The study authors examined Tricare claims data for surgeries performed in 2006 to 2014. The study covered four common spine surgeries — discectomy, decompression, lumbar posterolateral arthrodesis and lumbar interbody arthrodesis. There were 9,991 patients involved in the study.
Researchers found:
1. At discharge, 84 percent of the patients filled at least one prescription.
2. Within 30 days of discharge, 8 percent of the patients still used opioids. Three months after discharge, 1 percent still used opioids and six months after discharge 0.1 percent continued opioid use.
3. The patients who underwent low-intensity surgical procedures were more likely to halt opioid use. The hazard ratio for low-intensity procedures was:
• Discectomy: 1.43
• Decompression: 1.34
4. The patients who reported depression were less likely to discontinue opioid use. However, there was no difference between the opioid-native and non-opioid native patient groups.
5. The study authors concluded socioeconomic status and pre-existing mental health disorders were more likely factors in prolonged opioid use after spinal procedures.
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