Imagine a battlefield. Only this time, the warriors are orthopedic surgeons and their weapon is knowledge. From their base in interventional orthopedic washington, they are waging a war. It’s not against a foreign enemy. It’s against a crisis that’s been invading our homes and neighborhoods, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake. This enemy is the opioid crisis. In this battle, orthopedic surgeons have a key role. They are using their mastery of medicine to turn the tide. The offensive is on. And they are not backing down.
The Battlefield of Pain Management
Pain is at the root of the opioid crisis. For years doctors were giving out opioids like candy. They thought it was the best way to manage pain. They were wrong. Now we are paying the price.
The Weapon: Knowledge and Alternatives
Orthopedic Surgeons are fighting back. They are learning. They are adapting. They know there are other ways to manage pain. They are using alternative treatments. They are using patient education. They are using prescription guidelines. They are winning.
The Data: A Closer Look
Let’s look at the numbers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows a decrease in opioid prescriptions since 2012. But we still have a long way to go. Here’s the data:
| YEAR | OPIOID PRESCRIPTION RATE |
| 2012 | 81.3 per 100 persons |
| 2015 | 70.6 per 100 persons |
| 2018 | 51.4 per 100 persons |
The Future: Continued Innovation and Adaptation
The battle is not over. But with every passing day, Orthopedic Surgeons are gaining ground. They are refining their strategies. They are spreading the word. They are saving lives. They are leading the charge in the fight against the opioid crisis. And they will not rest until the battle is won.
