Time trends in opioid use for patients undergoing hip fracture surgery in 1997–2018: A Danish population-based cohort study

Background

Although opioids are a mainstay for perioperative pain management in hip fracture patients, no studies have described changes in opioid use over the last two decades. The aim of this study was to describe time trends in opioid use in a population-based cohort of patients undergoing a first-time hip fracture surgery during 1997–2018.

Methods

Opioid-naïve hip fracture patients >55 years old were identified in Danish medical databases (n = 115,962). By 2-year calendar periods, we calculated prevalence rates (PR) of opioid use in the four quarters after surgery (Q1–Q4). Corresponding prevalence rate ratios (PRR) with 1997–1998 as a reference were estimated with 95% confidence intervals. Further, we calculated the median morphine milligram equivalents (MME) for each quarter.

Results

For Q1, the PR of opioid use increased from 29% in 1997–1998 to 78% in 2017–2018 corresponding to a PRR of 2.7 (2.6–2.8). For Q4, the PR was 15% in 1997–1998, peaked in 2003–2004 and then decreased, but stayed high at 13% in 2017–2018. The median MME did not increase when comparing 2017–2018 with 1997–1998, irrespective of the quarter. Tramadol was most frequently used in 1997–1998 shifting to oxycodone in 2017–2018.

Conclusion

The PRs of opioid use in Q1 after surgery increased substantially from 1997 to 2018, but this did not translate into increased opioid use up to 1 year after hip fracture surgery or higher dosage. Our findings underline the importance of sustained focus on opioid tapering, dosage and use of opioids with the lowest potential for addiction and other adverse events.

Significance Statement

Overall, opioid use in Q1 after hip fracture surgery increased 2.7 times from 1997 to 2018, but the doses and opioid use up to 1 year after surgery remained stable. Compared to elderly, younger patients were more likely to use opioid in Q1, while the tendency was opposite in Q2–Q4. The most used opioid type changed from tramadol to oxycodone. Our findings underline the importance of personalized opioid tapering and doses, and use of opioids with the lowest potential for addiction and other adverse events.