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01-02-2019 | Original Paper

Orthopaedic surgery patients who use recreational marijuana have less pre-operative pain

Authors: Shaun H. Medina, Vidushan Nadarajah, Julio J. Jauregui, Michael P. Smuda, Michael Foster, Sean J. Meredith, Jonathan D. Packer, R. Frank Henn III

Published in: International Orthopaedics | Issue 2/2019

Abstract

Aims

To determine the baseline clinical characteristics of recreational marijuana users undergoing outpatient orthopaedic surgery. We hypothesized that patients who report marijuana use would have worse pain, function, and general health status.

Patients and methods

Nine-hundred and thirty-seven patients undergoing outpatient orthopaedic surgery were asked to fill out patient-reported outcome (PRO) tools. These PROs included the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information Systems (PROMIS) computer adaptive tests and legacy PROs unique to each patients’ surgical site.

Results

Forty patients (4.2%) reported marijuana use. Marijuana use was associated with younger age (33 vs. 43 years, p < 0.001), having a history of fewer operations (1.8 vs. 3.2, p < 0.05), single marital status (68 vs. 38%, p < 0.01), and having a history of smoking cigarettes (63 vs. 31%, p < 0.0001). Marijuana use was found to be significantly associated with greater Marx lower extremity activity rating scale scores (8.5 points vs. 6.1 points, p < 0.05) and decreased pain intensity in the operative site (3.7 points vs. 5.0 points, p < 0.05). Multivariable analysis found that marijuana use was an independent factor associated with less pain intensity in the operative site (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Our studies support other national studies that report increased marijuana use among younger patients and those who smoke cigarettes. The results do not support our hypothesis, as marijuana use was associated with less pain and better lower extremity activity rating scale scores when compared to non-users. Further research is warranted to analyze the effects of marijuana use on orthopaedic surgery patients.

Study design

Cross-sectional study.

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Title: Orthopaedic surgery patients who use recreational marijuana have less pre-operative pain
Authors: Shaun H. Medina
Vidushan Nadarajah
Julio J. Jauregui
Michael P. Smuda
Michael Foster
Sean J. Meredith
Jonathan D. Packer
R. Frank Henn III
Publication date: 01-02-2019
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: International Orthopaedics / Issue 2/2019
Print ISSN: 0341-2695
Electronic ISSN: 1432-5195
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-018-4101-x

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Orthopaedic surgery patients who use recreational marijuana have less pre-operative pain

Abstract

Aims

Patients and methods

Results

Conclusion

Study design

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Aims

Patients and methods

Results

Conclusion

Study design

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