Background & Aims

Failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) is a chronic condition that is characterized by persistent back pain following one or more spinal surgeries. Pharmacological interventions, such as the use of opioids and gabapentinoids, are frequently used in the treatment of FBSS. However, prolonged and excessive use of these medications can lead to dependence and adverse effects. This study investigates trends in opioid and gabapentinoids prescriptions among patients with FBSS in Korea from 2016 to 2020.

Methods

Data from the Health Insurance and Review Agency were analyzed claims having an FBSS were selected for the study. Prescription patterns of opioids and gabapentinoids were classified based on the number of days prescribed per year.

Results

30,095 patients were diagnosed with FBSS. 41.6% of the patients with FBSS were prescribed with gabapentinoids, and 42.0% of them were prescribed with opioids. 10.6% of the patients were classified as long-term gabapentinoid users and 11.4% as long-term opioid users. 7.4% of the patients were found to have long-term prescriptions for both drugs. The proportion of patients who received both gabapentinoid and opioid prescriptions increased annually. The doses of opioids prescribed have also increased along with the increase in the number of patients receiving opioid prescriptions.

Conclusions

The prescription rates of opioids and gabapentinoids among patients with FBSS in Korea continue to increase steadily, posing potential risks of addiction and adverse effects. Further research is needed to better understand the actual status of addiction in patients with FBSS.

References

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Presenting Author

Jinyoung Oh

Poster Authors

Jinyoung Oh

MD, PhD

Kyungpook National University School of Medicine, Republic of Korea

Lead Author

Topics

  • Epidemiology