Incidence of Alcohol Use Disorder and Management in Orthopaedic Patients: A Retrospective Analysis.

INTRODUCTION

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a prevalent, relapsing condition. Despite well-documented links between alcohol misuse and adverse health outcomes, the role of AUD in orthopaedic surgery is underexplored, and systematic screening remains uncommon. The aim of this study was to examine the incidence of alcohol use and potential misuse among orthopaedic patients and assessed whether patients flagged for risk engaged in documented discussions about alcohol use with their care teams.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed intake data from orthopaedic trauma, spine, bone health, and general registries between May 2020 and April 2025. Alcohol use was initially assessed with a nonstandardized intake questionnaire and later with the validated Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test-Consumption (AUDIT-C) tool. Patients meeting thresholds for possible misuse were flagged. Clinical notes were reviewed to determine whether flagged patients had alcohol use discussed by their orthopaedic team.

RESULTS

Among 99,269 patients screened, 67.9% reported some alcohol use, and 2.5% reported a personal history of AUD. Of 1040 patients completing the AUDIT-C, 29.2% screened positive for potential misuse; 11.1% of bone health patients also met criteria for at-risk drinking. Only 80 of 718 flagged patients (11.1%) had a documented alcohol-related discussion, with higher rates in bone health registries and among older patients.

CONCLUSION

Alcohol use and misuse are common among orthopaedic patients, yet systematic screening and discussion are infrequent. Integrating validated screeners such as AUDIT-C into routine intake and supporting clinicians with training and referral pathways represent critical opportunities to improve patient safety and orthopaedic outcomes.