Opioid use prior to spine surgery linked to diminished patient reported outcomes

The use of opioid pain relievers (prescription medications, such as Percocet) have been linked to less improvement and higher levels of dissatisfaction following spine surgery, a study finds. "We have demonstrated that increasing amounts of preoperative opioid consumption may have a harmful effect on patient reported outcomes in those undergoing spinal surgery," said study's lead author.

Source: ScienceDaily Headlines - June 12, 2014 Category: Science Source Type: news