Among 918 hand surgery patients, only 15% had used CBD, and just 39% of those reported any pain relief, with CBD users actually reporting higher pain and worse function.
Hand surgeons, orthopedic providers, and patients considering CBD for musculoskeletal pain.
Only 39% of hand surgery patients who tried CBD reported any pain relief
What the researchers found
15% of hand surgery patients (135/918) reported prior CBD use. Only 39% of CBD users (53/135) perceived pain relief. CBD users were more likely to be female (65% vs 51%), have wrist pathology (44% vs 35%), and have arthritis (36% vs 19%). CBD users reported significantly higher pain and worse function than non-users.
Why it matters
CBD products are widely marketed for pain, but this real-world clinic data suggests most hand/upper extremity patients who try CBD do not find it beneficial, and those who use it tend to have more severe conditions.
The numbers in context
918 patients surveyed (53% female, mean age 63). 15% (135/918) used CBD. 39% (53/135) of users reported pain relief. CBD users: 65% female vs 51% non-users (p=0.003). CBD users had higher arthritis rates (36% vs 19%, p<0.001).
How the study worked
Survey of 918 new patients at an orthopedic hand and upper extremity clinic (July-December 2022). Pain measured with Numeric Pain Rating Scale, function with Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation. Demographics and diagnoses from chart review.
What this study cannot tell us
Cross-sectional design cannot determine if CBD caused, worsened, or failed to improve outcomes. CBD product type, dose, and duration of use were not standardized. Self-reported pain relief is subjective. Older patient population (mean 63) at a surgical clinic may not represent broader CBD users.
How to read the evidence
Large clinic-based survey but cross-sectional design with unstandardized CBD use limits conclusions about efficacy.
When this study was published
2025 publication with data from July-December 2022.
The bigger picture
The finding that CBD users had worse pain and function likely reflects that people with more severe conditions are more motivated to try CBD, rather than CBD worsening outcomes. Still, the low rate of perceived benefit challenges marketing claims.
Questions still open
- Would standardized CBD dosing show better results than self-directed consumer use?
- Are certain hand conditions more responsive to CBD than others?
Read the original research
Prevalence of Cannabidiol (CBD) Use in an Outpatient Hand Surgery Clinic.
Orthopedics, 48(6), 329-335
Citation
Iturregui, Jose M; Deckey, David G; Ishimoto, Alyssa; Renfree, Sean P; Noland, Shelley S; Renfree, Kevin J. (2025). Prevalence of Cannabidiol (CBD) Use in an Outpatient Hand Surgery Clinic.. Orthopedics, 48(6), 329-335. https://doi.org/10.3928/01477447-20250904-01
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