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March 6, 2016   Decreased opioid use prior to joint replacement surgery has been linked with improved patient satisfaction and outcomes, fewer complications and a reduced need for post-surgical opioids, according to two new studies.

They found nearly 59 percent of the patients (49,617) did not use opioids prior to surgery, while 41.4 percent did. The top three prescribed opioids were hydrocodone/acetaminophen, oxycodone/acetaminophen, and oxycodone.

In opioid users, the study showed that a 50 percent or greater preoperative reduction of opioid use leads to better patient outcomes,” said lead author Kevin Bozic from the University of Texas at Austin.

“We recommend that chronic opioid users who are considering hip or knee replacement work with their primary care physician or pain management team to reduce their use of opioids prior to considering elective surgery,” Bozic said.

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