Introduction: We sought to characterize the prevalence of methamphetamine (MA) abuse and associated orthopaedic injury patterns at our level 1 trauma center.
Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of all orthopaedic consults for the year 2016. Patients were classified as MA users based on urine toxicology results and social history.
Results: The prevalence of MA use was 10.0%. MA users were more likely to present with hand lacerations and other infections (P < 0.05 for all). Regarding the mechanism of injury, MA users were more likely to be involved in automobile versus pedestrian, automobile versus bicycle, ballistic, knife, closed fist, other assault/altercation, and animal bite injuries (P < 0.05 for all).
Discussion: MA use is prevalent at our level 1 trauma center. The prevalence and injury patterns of MA abuse warrant deeper study into the effects of this drug on orthopaedic outcomes.
Level of evidence: Level III.