What Happens to Unused Opioids After Total Joint Arthroplasty? An Evaluation of Unused Post-Operative Opioid Disposal Practices

Abstract Introduction This study evaluates the fate of unused opioids after total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) at our facility. Methods Medication disposal after primary elective THA and TKA was classified as appropriate (in accordance with FDA guidelines) or inappropriate for all patients undergoing these procedures during the second half of fiscal year 2015. Results 199 THAs and 144 TKAs met inclusion criteria. Total pills prescribed were 55,635. Approximately 8,925 (16%) of pills were unused. 39.9% of patients disposed of unused opioids appropriately, while 60.1% of patients reported either still having (18.5%), not knowing where they were (8.2%), or other (33.4%). There was no significant association with type of opioid prescribed. Conclusion A large volume of unused opioids were improperly disposed of after total joint arthroplasty.