You Can Safely Avoid Addictive Long-Acting Opioids After Knee Replacement
It is widely recognized that prolonged use of opioid medication increases the likelihood of addiction in patients, including those recovering from pain following orthopedic surgery.
Avoid long-acting opioids after knee replacement for safety.
📷 By Ernie Mundell HealthDay Reporter
It’s well known that long-acting opioid meds raise the odds for addiction in users – including folks dealing with pain after an orthopedic surgery.
Now, new research suggests that patients fare just as well if doctors prescribe less risky immediate-release opioids following a knee replacement surgery.
Pain management was equal to that seen in patients on long-acting opioids, researchers report, and patients even had fewer bouts of medication-linked nausea.
“If you can move from long-acting to immediate-release opioids without increased pain or other adverse effects, that’s a win,” said study co-author Judith Barberio, a clinical associate professor with Rutgers School of Nursing in New Jersey. “This quality improvement project suggests it’s possible to do that when recovering from a total knee replacement.”
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Barberio and her colleagues noted that U.S. surgeons replace about 790,000 bum knees each year. Experts have long known that the painful recovery period after joint surgery can be hazardous in terms of developing an opioid addiction.
In the study, the research team took advantage of a planned switch in post-op protocol by one knee replacement surgeon: Switching patients from extended- to immediate-release opioids for pain.
The result: No difference in patients’ pain scores, regardless of which type of opioid they received.
And, as an added bonus, patients who got immediate-release opioids were nauseous less often and needed fewer anti-nausea pills. Nausea and vomiting are common side effects of opioid painkillers.
That was no small thing, noted senior study author Jill Cox, a clinical professor at Rutgers.
“Feeling nausea to the point that you need medical intervention can be unpleasant and may increase your pain and impact your rehabilitation,” she explained in a Rutgers news release.
Folks who got the short-acting opioids also tended to be discharged to their homes sooner, while those on long-acting opioids tended to require time in residential rehab before heading home, the study found.
The reason behind that isn’t clear, although the team theorized that extended-release opioids might act on the brain to hamper cognitive function and balance. That would make a safe return to the activities of daily living tougher, they said.
The study was published recently in the journal Pain Management Nursing.
The Lowdown on Opioids After Knee Replacement
Knee replacement surgery has become increasingly common as a treatment for severe knee osteoarthritis and other conditions that cause debilitating knee pain. However, the recovery process can be challenging, often requiring pain management with the use of opioids. While opioids are effective at relieving pain, they are also associated with the risk of addiction and adverse effects such as nausea and vomiting.
Recently, a study conducted by researchers at Rutgers University suggested that patients who received immediate-release opioids after knee replacement surgery experienced similar pain management to those who received long-acting opioids. Moreover, patients who received immediate-release opioids had fewer episodes of medication-linked nausea. This finding is significant as it shows a possible alternative to prescribing long-acting opioids, reducing the risk of addiction without compromising pain relief.
To shed light on the study’s implications and provide a comprehensive understanding of opioid use after knee replacement, let’s delve deeper into the topic and address some common questions.
Q: What are opioids, and why are they prescribed after knee replacement surgery?
A: Opioids are a class of drugs that act on the body’s opioid receptors to relieve pain. They are commonly prescribed after knee replacement surgery because the procedure can be highly painful during the post-operative period. Opioids help manage pain by blocking pain signals from reaching the brain and altering the brain’s response to pain.
Q: What are the risks associated with long-acting opioids?
A: Long-acting opioids, such as extended-release formulations, have a higher risk of addiction and can lead to dependence over time. Additionally, they may cause adverse effects such as nausea, vomiting, constipation, drowsiness, and respiratory depression. Prolonged use of long-acting opioids can also impair cognitive function and balance, which could impact a patient’s ability to return to their daily activities.
Q: How do immediate-release opioids compare to long-acting opioids?
A: The aforementioned study suggests that immediate-release opioids provide similar pain management to long-acting opioids after knee replacement surgery. Patients who received immediate-release opioids reported comparable pain scores, indicating that the shorter-acting opioids were just as effective. Additionally, immediate-release opioids were associated with a lower incidence of medication-linked nausea. These findings offer a possible alternative that reduces the risk of addiction and improves overall patient experience during recovery.
Q: What are the advantages of prescribing immediate-release opioids?
A: Prescribing immediate-release opioids after knee replacement surgery provides several advantages. Firstly, it reduces the risk of addiction and dependence by avoiding the use of long-acting opioids. Secondly, patients who receive immediate-release opioids experience fewer episodes of medication-linked nausea, which can significantly impact their comfort and rehabilitation. Furthermore, patients who receive short-acting opioids tend to be discharged to their homes sooner, potentially expediting the recovery process.
Q: Are there any alternatives to opioids for pain management after knee replacement surgery?
A: While opioids are commonly used to manage post-operative pain after knee replacement surgery, there are alternative approaches that can be considered. These include non-opioid medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), local anesthesia techniques, physical therapy, and complementary therapies like acupuncture. Discussing these options with your healthcare provider is essential to develop an individualized pain management plan that best suits your needs and ensures optimal recovery.
In conclusion, the study conducted by Rutgers University highlights the potential benefits of prescribing immediate-release opioids instead of long-acting opioids after knee replacement surgery. This alternative approach offers comparable pain relief, reduces the incidence of medication-linked nausea, and potentially decreases the risk of addiction. However, it’s important to note that each patient’s circumstances and preferences may differ, so consulting with your healthcare provider is crucial before making any decisions regarding pain management.
👉 Read more about recovery from knee replacement surgery at the Cleveland Clinic.
References: 1. Rutgers University, news release, March 8, 2024 2. Pain Management Nursing: Study publication
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As you can see, the study conducted by Rutgers University sheds light on the potential benefits of prescribing immediate-release opioids instead of long-acting opioids after knee replacement surgery. This alternative approach offers comparable pain relief with a lower risk of addiction, as well as a decrease in medication-linked nausea.
If you or someone you know is considering knee replacement surgery or currently managing post-operative pain, consult with your healthcare provider to discuss the most suitable pain management options. Remember, an informed decision can lead to a more comfortable and successful recovery!
📣 Don’t forget to share this article on social media to spread the word about safe and effective pain management after knee replacement surgery! Together, we can empower others to make informed decisions about their health. 💪🏼💊💜
