Opioid Prescribing Patterns of Orthopedic Surgery Residents After Open Reduction Internal Fixation of Distal Radius Fractures

Purpose In many academic medical centers, resident physicians typically write initial opioid prescriptions, but little is known about their prescribing practices. We hypothesized that lower resident postgraduate year, residency-training program, and noncompletion of an opioid prescribing training would be factors associated with increased opioid prescribing by orthopedic residents after open reduction and internal fixation of distal radius fractures. Methods A survey was administered to all 135 residents from 4 orthopedic residency programs in a state located in the northeastern United States between August 2017 and November 2017. Respondents were asked to indicate the initial analgesia (quantity and duration) they would prescribe for a younger and older, otherwise healthy, opiate-naive female patient after open reduction and internal fixation of a distal radius fracture. We analyzed the quantity of initial opioids prescribed in morphine milligram equivalents (MME) and number of days supplied. Three different measures of overprescribing were assessed: prescribing over 150 MME, 225 MME, or 7 days of opioids. Results The response rate was 63% (85 of 135 residents). Of all respondents, 36.5% of residents reported completion of an opioid training in the past. In terms of overprescribing by duration, 19% of residents prescribed more than 7 days of opioids. For overprescribing by quantity, 36% to 59% (depending on patient age) of residents prescribed more than 20 tablets of 5 mg oxycodone (150 MME) and 16% to 25% (depending on patient age) prescribed more than 30 tablets of 5 mg oxycodone (225 MME). In comparison with junior residents, senior residents were more likely to prescribe over 225 MME. Conclusions After open reduction and internal fixation of distal radius fractures, 19% of orthopedic surgery residents would prescribe more than 7 days of prescription opioids, which is beyond the state law maximum. In addition, we found that less than half of residents had participated in an opioid training program. Our results highlight the need for continued resident guidance when prescribing. Enrollment in opioid prescribing training programs that have been shown to decrease prescribed opioid quantities while still effectively managing patient pain is probably important. Clinical relevance This study describes the opioid prescribing practices and prior training of orthopedic residents. It highlights an opportunity for increased involvement in educational programs on opioid prescribing that better align with published recommendations/guidelines.