Tramadol prescribed at discharge is associated with lower odds of chronic opioid use after elective total joint arthroplasty.

Overview

abstract

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to study the association between tramadol prescribed at discharge (after elective total hip and knee arthroplasty (THA/TKA) surgery) and chronic opioid use postoperatively. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study queried the Truven MarketScan database and identified patients who underwent an elective THA/TKA surgery between 2016 and 2018 and were prescribed opioids at discharge (n=81 049). Multivariable analysis was conducted to study the association between tramadol prescription at discharge and chronic opioid use, with additional analysis adjusting for the amount of opioids prescribed in oral morphine equivalents. Chronic opioid use was defined as filling ≥10 opioid prescriptions or prescriptions for ≥120 pills within the period from 90 days to 1 year after surgery. RESULTS: Overall, tramadol was prescribed at discharge in 11.0% of all THA/TKA cases. Of those, 26.9% and 73.1% received tramadol only or tramadol with another opioid, respectively. Chronic opioid use was observed in 5.4% of cases. After adjustment for relevant covariates, prescription of tramadol combined with another opioid at discharge was associated with lower odds of chronic opioid use comparing to prescription of other opioids (OR 0.69 CI 0.61 to 0.78). DISCUSSION: Among patients undergoing elective THA/TKA surgery and discharged with a prescription of opioids, we found that prescription of tramadol combined with another opioid was associated with lower odds of chronic opioid use. This finding must be considered in the context of the tramadol's pharmacology, as well-described genetic differences in metabolism that can make it ineffective in many patients, while for patients with ultrarapid metabolism can cause drug-drug interactions and adverse events, including feelings of high and seizures.