The use of opioids for pain relief in patients awaiting hip and knee replacement surgery increased dramatically during the pandemic according to new research from the University of Aberdeen. Published in the BMJ Quality & Safety, the study found that the numbers of patients using opioids while waiting for surgery increased by 40% compared to pre-pandemic levels. Opioids such as morphine and tramadol are often used as a last resort in pain management in osteoarthritis. However, there is growing evidence for limited benefit and even long-term detriment to health, especially in older adults. Long-term opioid use pre-surgery has also been associated with increased risk of complications related to the
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