For spinal fusion surgery patients, taking opioids before surgery is major risk factor for long-term opioid use

(Wolters Kluwer Health) Patients taking opioids for at least three months before spinal fusion surgery in the lower spine are much more likely to continue taking opioids one year after surgery, reports a study in Spine. The journal is published in the Lippincott portfolio by Wolters Kluwer.