Cannabis Use Is Associated With Fewer Filled Opioid Prescriptions After Treatment of Proximal Humerus Fractures

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to use a large claims database to determine if there is a difference in opioid use after operative intervention for proximal humerus fractures in patients with known cannabis use compared with those who do not report cannabis use. The PearlDiver database was queried to find all patients who underwent proximal humerus open reduction and internal fixation. A group of patients with reported cannabis use or dependence was matched to a cohort without known cannabis use. Between the two groups, differences in the number of opioid prescriptions filled in the postoperative period (within 3 days), the morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs) prescribed in total and per day, and the number of opioid prescription refills were explored. There were 66,445 potential control patients compared with 1260 potential study patients. After conducting the propensity score match, a total of 1245 patients were included in each group. The patients in the cannabis group filled fewer opioid prescriptions ( P =.045) and were prescribed fewer total MMEs ( P =.044) in the first 3 days postoperatively. Results of this study indicate that patients who use cannabis products may use fewer opioids after proximal humerus open reduction and internal fixation. [ Orthopedics . 202x;4x(x);xx–xx.]