Association of peripheral nerve blocks with increased postoperative pain and opioid use in orthopaedic surgery: a single-centre retrospective cohort study
Authors' conclusion
Although single injection peripheral nerve blocks were effective in reducing immediate postoperative pain and opioid consumption, they were associated with greater opioid consumption that could increase the risk for opioid dependence.
Study context
- Population
- Adults undergoing orthopaedic surgery with GA, Massachusetts General Hospital, 2016–2020
- Participants
- 22,956 adults
- Exposure
- Single injection peripheral nerve block vs no peripheral nerve block
- Outcome
- Maximum pain score and cumulative opioid dose (MME) administered in the PACU
Methodological detailssingle-centre, propensity-weighted
- Single-centre
- Propensity-weighted
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Maximum pain score and opioid administration in the PACU
- Peripheral nerve block associated with lower maximum pain scores and lower probability of opioid administration in the PACU
- Propensity-weighted
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
Maximum pain scores and opioid consumption during hospital stay
- Increase in opioid consumption with peripheral nerve block
- 22.7%
- Higher maximum pain scores with peripheral nerve block
Opioid prescriptions after discharge · 30, 90 and 180 days
- Increase at 30 days after discharge, no increase at 90 or 180 days
Chronic pain diagnoses · 1 yr after operation
- Decreased with peripheral nerve block
Original publication
Association of peripheral nerve blocks with increased postoperative pain and opioid use in orthopaedic surgery: a single-centre retrospective cohort study. Br J Anaesth. Published 3 July 2025. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →