According to the findings of a study presented at the American Geriatrics Society 2022 scientific meeting, extensive use of muscle relaxants in aged people elevates the risk of fractures, falls, and cognitive impairment. This study was conducted to elucidate the utilization of muscle relaxants, considering the risks they pose to the elderly population.

A total of 51,151 patients (66 years and older) who underwent any surgical procedures, like lumbar spine procedures and total knee replacements were examined. People (n = 1718) who were administered a muscle relaxant sev en days prior to or after the surgery were selected. As found, around 223 subjects (13%) with prescriptions refilled past 90 days were younger, commonly women, had higher Charlson comorbidity scores, and spent more time in hospital.

Compared to 21% of those who did not refill the order post 90 days, 60% of subjects with refills had extended usage of opioids after 90 days. The risk of side effects may elevate due to the combined use of a muscle relaxant and an opioid. Taking into consideration the risks to elderly people, robust strategies are required for the prevention of prolonged use of muscle relaxants. Additional investigations must scrutinize how the opioid crisis has impacted prescribing in the elderly population.