Caroline Gibbs

Ms. Caroline Gibbs


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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4 January 2025 in Current Pain and Headache Reports
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
PDF file
Alan David KayeAlan David Kaye
Alan David Kaye
SCSe Yun Cheon
Se Yun Cheon
MRMorgan H. Roque
Morgan H. Roque
CGCaroline Gibbs
Caroline Gibbs
KMKarlee R. Mott
Karlee R. Mott
SSSahar Shekoohi
Sahar Shekoohi

Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
CGCaroline Gibbs
Caroline Gibbs
SAShahab Ahmadzadeh
Shahab Ahmadzadeh
SSShivam Shah
Shivam Shah
CRClaudia E. Rodriguez
Claudia E. Rodriguez
ASAnushka Singh
Anushka Singh
Alan David KayeAlan David Kaye
Alan David Kaye
Background: The opioid epidemic has highlighted the need for alternative pain management modalities in postoperative patients. Peripheral nerve blocks (PNBs) have been shown to reduce opioid consumption in the immediate postoperative period, but limited data exists on their impact on chronic opioid use. Objective: The present investigation focused on the use of preoperative PNB utilization in orthopedic surgeries and its association with chronic opioid use. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 533 patients that had a total shoulder arthroplasty, reverse total shoulder arthroplasty, or knee arthroscopy between July 2021 and July 2024. Patients were grouped based on whether they received a preoperative PNB. Opioid prescription data were collected at 1-, 3-, and 6-month postoperative periods. In addition, a subset of patients completed a questionnaire to assess self-reported opioid consumption and other analgesic usage. Results: Patients who received a PNB were significantly less likely to report continued opioid use at one month postoperatively compared to those who did not (32.8% vs. 61.9%). Additionally, PNB recipients more often declined additional opioids due to a lack of need (p = 0.025), while those without a PNB cited other reasons, including fear of addiction or poor pain control (p = 0.033). Conclusions: The results of the present investigation suggest that preoperative PNBs may be associated with reduced chronic opioid use and have an important role in prescribing practices and pain management strategies following orthopedic surgery. Limitations: The limitations are as follows: retrospective design; potential recall and selection bias from questionnaire use; lack of data confirming actual opioid prescription fills; inclusion of patients with chronic pain comorbidities requiring long-term opioid use.