Do Post-Operative Opioid Discharge Prescriptions Vary Based on the Type or Operative Approach in Pediatric Elbow Fractures?

Description

The video features Jeremie Thibault, a third-year medical student at the University of Ottawa, presenting a research study titled "Do Post-Operative Opioid Discharge Prescriptions Vary Based on Type or Operative Approach in Pediatric Elbow Fractures?" The aim of the study is to evaluate the prescribing habits of opioid medications among residents and staff surgeons following surgical management of pediatric elbow fractures, highlighting the importance of understanding the variations in post-operative care. Jeremie discusses the commonality of elbow fractures in children, the potential side effects of opioids, and the impact of over-prescription on the ongoing opioid crisis.



The research included a focus on various types of elbow fractures such as radial neck and supracondylar fractures, with an analysis of discharge prescriptions for both opioids and non-opioids. The study found that opioids were prescribed in 89% of cases, with morphine being the most common. Analysis revealed an overall consistency in the dosing of opioids and the general pattern of prescribing among different fracture types, but noted a significant discrepancy between how much opioids were prescribed by residents compared to staff surgeons. Jeremie concludes by suggesting the need for updated guidelines on opioid prescriptions in pediatric patients, underscoring the need to tailor approaches based on specific fracture types while also being mindful of opioid exposure post-operatively.

DOI: 10.1302/3114-220823

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