Young age, female sex, smoking, and worse area deprivation index associated with prolonged postoperative opioid use after rotator cuff repair.

Abstract

Background: Oral opioid analgesia is commonly used for postoperative pain control in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (RCR). Concerns about opioid side effects and potential abuse persist. This study aimed to identify risk factors for prolonged opioid use (POU) after RCR and assess its impact on patient-reported outcomes.

Methods: A retrospective chart review included patients over 18 years old who underwent primary arthroscopic RCR and had at least one preoperative and postoperative patient-reported outcomes measurement information system (PROMIS) score. POU was defined as at least one opioid prescription refill more than 30 days postoperatively. Demographic characteristics, clinical outcomes, and PROMIS scores up to one year postoperatively were collected.

Results: A total of 318 patients were included, and 38 had POU. Logistic regression identified opioid refill within 30 days after surgery, younger age, female sex, smoking, higher area deprivation index, and higher preoperative PROMIS depression score was associated with POU. Patients with POU had higher reoperation rates (15.8% vs. 5.4%; P = 0.015) and worse PROMIS pain interference and PROMIS upper extremity scores postoperatively.

Conclusion: Risk factors for POU after arthroscopic RCR include younger age, female sex, smoking, depression, higher area deprivation, and early opioid refill. POU correlated with higher reoperation rates and poorer postoperative outcomes.