Abstract
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. © 2019 by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.