Impact of Intrathecal Fentanyl on Hospital Outcomes for Patients Undergoing Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty With Neuraxial Anesthesia

BACKGROUND: Intrathecal opioids have been used to reduce pain after total joint arthroplasty; however, the utility of these drugs is disputed. We examined the impact of eliminating intrathecal fentanyl on outcomes for patients undergoing direct anterior approach total hip arthroplasty (THA). METHODS: Retrospective review of 376 THA patients from a single institution was conducted. Univariate analysis was used to compare intraoperative medication usage and postoperative outcomes for THA patients receiving intrathecal fentanyl compared with those who did not receive intrathecal fentanyl. RESULTS: Recovery room pain scores were significantly lower for patients who received intrathecal fentanyl (intrathecal fentanyl 1.4 vs no 2.2, P = .001), but no difference in opioid consumption was observed (intrathecal fentanyl 9.3 milligram morphine equivalent vs no 10.5 milligram morphine equivalent, P = .200). Intraoperative use and dose of intravenous morphine, hydromorphone, and dexamethasone did not differ significantly between groups. There were no significant differences in length of stay between the groups (intrathecal fentanyl 1.1 days vs 1.1 days, P = .973), 90-day readmission, or recatherization rates between groups (readmission, intrathecal fentanyl 4.8% vs no 5.8%, P = .709; recatherization, intrathecal fentanyl 0% vs no 0.7%, P = 1.00). CONCLUSION: The administration of intrathecal fentanyl does not have a significant effect on early postoperative narcotic consumption, length of stay, 90-day readmissions, or recatheterization after THA with neuraxial anesthesia. Intrathecal fentanyl does not appear to improve outcomes and should not be included as a standard element of THA rapid recovery protocols.