The opioid crisis in the United States is a severe and complex public health issue. Despite having a population of less than 5% of the world’s total, the U.S. is responsible for 80% of the global opioid consumption. In 2017, the crisis was officially declared a national public emergency, with opioid-related deaths exceeding 100,000 annually, a 600% increase since 1999. Orthopedic surgeons, often having to treat pain associated with injuries and surgeries, are at the forefront of addressing this crisis; exploring innovative ways to reduce opioid dependency while ensuring patients’ pain management needs are met.
One development in the field of orthopedic surgery is a shift in pain management practices. Orthopedic surgeons frequently rely on opioid-based pain relief for patients recovering from surgeries. However, a recent study challenged this practice. It found that acetaminophen with codeine is as effective as oxycodone in reducing pain after fracture surgery. This discovery offers a viable alternative that can substantially reduce the need for opioid prescriptions while maintaining effective pain management for orthopedic trauma patients.
In 2020, researchers from the University of Iowa and the University of Pennsylvania took a different approach. They created chatbots designed to administer psychotherapy to post-surgery patients in an effort to reduce the need for opioids. These chatbots were designed to help patients navigate the emotional aspects of pain and give the doctors needed information on their patients in order to personalize prescriptions. The introduction of chatbots as psychotherapeutic tools has shown promising results in both enhancing patient care and reducing opioid dependency among orthopedic trauma patients. These chatbots facilitate conversations that help individuals address the psychological dimensions of pain, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes.
An essential component in the fight against opioid dependency is providing patients with resources to taper off opioids gradually. Abruptly discontinuing opioids can lead to uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, chills, headaches, increased heart rate, and elevated blood pressure, among others. Patients are often encouraged to stay hydrated, maintain regular eating habits, engage in moderate exercise, and maintain a positive outlook.
The opioid crisis in the U.S. is a pressing concern, especially for orthopedic surgeons. However, recent innovations in the field offer hope. Orthopedic surgeons are no longer solely reliant on opioid prescriptions. These new solutions beyond just opioids empower patients to comprehend and manage their pain more effectively. As the medical community continues to embrace these approaches, there is optimism that the devastating impact of the opioid epidemic can be mitigated, ensuring patients receive the care they need without falling into dependency.
