Patients with cannabis use disorder had higher rates of medical complications, ER visits, and hospital readmissions within 90 days of wrist fracture surgery.
Orthopedic surgeons, perioperative medicine specialists, patients considering surgery
What the researchers found
Among 13,405 matched patients who underwent surgery for distal radius fractures, those with cannabis use disorder (n=2,297) had significantly higher rates of 90-day medical complications, emergency department visits (2.53% vs 1.14%), and readmissions (5.79% vs 4.29%). The incidence of CUD among surgical patients doubled from 4% to 8% between 2010 and 2020.
Why it matters
As cannabis use disorder becomes more prevalent among surgical patients, understanding its association with postoperative outcomes helps surgeons counsel patients and plan for potential complications.
The numbers in context
13,405 patients (2,297 with CUD, 11,108 controls); CUD prevalence doubled from 4% to 8% (2010-2020); ED visits 2.53% vs 1.14%; readmissions 5.79% vs 4.29%
How the study worked
Retrospective cohort study using a national insurance database (2010-2020). Patients with CUD were 1:5 ratio matched to controls by age, sex, tobacco use, alcohol abuse, opioid dependence, and comorbidities. Multivariable logistic regression assessed 90-day outcomes.
What this study cannot tell us
Insurance database study cannot distinguish between active cannabis use and historical CUD diagnosis. Matching cannot account for all confounders. "Cannabis abuse" diagnosis codes may undercount actual cannabis use. Cannot determine whether cannabis directly caused complications or is a marker for other risk factors.
How to read the evidence
Moderate: large matched cohort with regression adjustment, but administrative database with inherent coding limitations.
When this study was published
2025 publication using 2010-2020 data
The bigger picture
This adds to a growing body of surgical outcomes research suggesting cannabis use disorder is associated with more postoperative complications across multiple procedure types, not just major surgeries.
Questions still open
- Is the association driven by active cannabis use or by comorbid factors common in CUD patients?
- Would preoperative cannabis cessation improve surgical outcomes?
Read the original research
Cannabis Abuse Is Associated With Greater Medical Complications, Emergency Department Visits, and Readmissions Following Open Reduction and Internal Fixation for Distal Radius Fractures.
Hand (New York, N.Y.), 20(3), 402-409
Citation
Gordon, Adam M; Golub, Ivan J; Diamond, Keith B; Kang, Kevin K; Choueka, Jack. (2025). Cannabis Abuse Is Associated With Greater Medical Complications, Emergency Department Visits, and Readmissions Following Open Reduction and Internal Fixation for Distal Radius Fractures.. Hand (New York, N.Y.), 20(3), 402-409. https://doi.org/10.1177/15589447231210948
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