Reduced Opioid Prescription After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Does Not Affect Postoperative Pain or Prescription Refills: A Prospective, Surgeon-Blinded, Randomized, Controlled Trial

Purpose: To investigate opioid utilization after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction in the setting of a multimodal pain regimen and assess the feasibility of prescribing fewer opioids to achieve adequate postoperative pain control. Methods: Patients undergoing ACL reconstruction in conjunction with a multimodal approach to pain control were randomized to receive either 30 or 60 tablets of hydrocodone (10 mg)–acetaminophen (325 mg). Patients were contacted at multiple time points up to 21 days after surgery to assess opioid utilization and medication side effects. We compared the mean number of tablets used between groups as the primary outcome. Preoperative variables associated with an increased risk of higher opioid pain medication requirements were also assessed. Results: The final analysis included 43 patients in the 30-tablet group and 42 in the 60-tablet group. There was no significant difference between groups in the number of tablets consumed (9.5 vs 12.2, P = .22), number of days opioids were required (4.5 vs 6.2, P = .14), 3-month opioid refill rates (12% vs 7%, P = .48), or postoperative pain control at any point up to 21 days after surgery. The 30-tablet group had a significantly smaller proportion of unused tablets compared with the 60-tablet group (69% of prescribed tablets [910 tablets] vs 80% of prescribed tablets [2,027 tablets], P < .001). Opioids were required after surgery by 91% of patients (n = 77), and 81% could have had their pain medication requirements met with a prescription for 15 tablets. Risk factors for increased postoperative opioid use included a family history of substance abuse (β = 14.1; 95% confidence interval, 5.7-22.4; P = .0014) and increased pain score at 2 hours after surgery (β = 1.07; 95% confidence interval, 0.064-2.07; P = .037). Conclusions: Orthopaedic surgeons may significantly reduce the number opioid tablets prescribed after ACL reconstruction without affecting postoperative pain control or refill rates. Level of Evidence: Level I, randomized controlled trial.