Deaths due to overdose involving opioids have nearly quadrupled in USA in the last 20 years. Several published studies have shown that preoperative opioid use independently predicts perioperative complications in total joint arthroplasty. Our objectives were to (1) assess preoperative opioid consumption in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) and (2) to determine how preoperative opioid use affects patient oriented outcomes (POO's) and hip scores before and after THA. 54 primary THA by a single surgeon were reviewed. A new patient questionnaire was administered to document preoperative opioid consumption (type, dosage and length of use); preoperatively and postoperatively POO's measurements [visual analog scale (VAS), QWB-7, SF-36, and WOMAC] and hip scores were recorded. Patients were stratified into two groups: (1) Opioid Users and (2) Non-Opioid Users. Oral morphine equivalents (OME) were calculated for opioid using patients using standard methodology.Introduction
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