Trends in GLP-1 Agonists Use in Orthopedic Surgery

This research article characterizes national trends in the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists, particularly semaglutide, among patients undergoing ten common orthopedic procedures and evaluates their association with postoperative outcomes. The study utilized a retrospective cohort design, analyzing a large national insurance claims database to identify patients with obesity diagnosis codes and relevant procedure codes from 2010 to the first quarter of 2023. The findings indicate a consistent increase in GLP-1 usage rates across all procedures, with notable rises in semaglutide use beginning in 2019, especially among patients with a BMI of 30-39.9 and those with a BMI of 40 or greater. The results show that GLP-1 and semaglutide users had significantly lower odds of emergency department presentations following surgery, with specific procedures demonstrating reduced rates of surgical site infections and revisions. The study concludes that GLP-1 receptor agonists may offer protective effects on short-term postoperative outcomes, warranting further investigation into their role in perioperative management.