Illicit drug and alcohol use and measures of musculoskeletal function and mental health in orthopaedic trauma patients.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to describe the relationship between positive toxicology screens and measures of preinjury mental health and physical function in an orthopaedic trauma population.

Design: This was a cross-sectional study.

Setting: Urban Level 1 trauma center.

Patients: A total of 125 trauma patients gave written consent for this study.

Main outcome measurements: Questionnaires such as, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, General Anxiety Disorder-7, PCL-5, and Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment, were used to survey patients after surgical intervention.

Results: Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (P = 0.05) and PCL-5 (P = 0.04) were not found to have significant differences between positive and negative toxicology screens. Both General Anxiety Disorder-7 (P = 0.004) and Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment function (P = 0.006) were significantly higher in patients with positive toxicology screens.

Conclusions: Positive toxicology seems to be associated with preinjury anxiety. Patient reported preinjury function was not adversely affected by the presence of illicit substances or alcohol, nor were levels of post-traumatic stress disorder and depression found to be higher in patients with positive toxicology screens.

Level of evidence: Level IV Cross-Sectional Study.