Opioid Prescribing Patterns for Common Elective Hand Procedures

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to look at opioid prescribing patterns following common elective hand procedures.

Methods: Using RedCap, a survey was sent to Northwest ASSH members asking the type and quantity of opioids prescribed after carpal tunnel, cubital tunnel, trigger finger, ganglion excision, open fasciectomy and CMC arthroplasty.

Follow-up: A total of 229 members of ASSH in the Northwest region were asked to participate, with a 35% response rate.

Summary of results: There is vast variability in opioid prescribing patterns after common elective hand procedures. Hydrocone/Acetaminophen is the most commonly prescribed medication.  There is no difference between level of training and quantity prescribed. While most physicians instruct patients to take non opioid medications for post operative pain control, only 41% explicitly write out a plan for their patients.

Conclusions: The U.S. opioid epidemic is an ongoing battle for health care professionals. There is large variability in what is prescribed after common elective hand procedures. More data regarding procedure specific patient utilization is needed.