Cannabinoid use and perioperative opioid requirements following elective ambulatory orthopedic surgery

INTRODUCTION

The opioid epidemic is a growing concern, with orthopedic surgery contributing 5.8-7.7% of all opioid prescriptions in the U.S.1. This is exacerbated by the projected quadrupling of total hip and knee arthroplasties by 2031, emphasizing the need to understand perioperative opioid use in this field1. Simultaneously, the use of cannabinoids like ∆9-THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis, is rising. ∆9-THC acts as a partial agonist at CB receptors, modulating pain. However, limited data on cannabinoids’ perioperative effects present challenges to optimal pain management. Prior studies suggest cannabinoid use may increase perioperative opioid requirements after ambulatory elective orthopedic surgery. 

Hypothesis: cannabinoid use increases total perioperative opioid requirements following ambulatory elective orthopedic surgery 

Primary aim: quantify the effects of cannabinoid use on total perioperative opioid requirement