Is Cannabis Dependence Associated with Postoperative Infections in Hand and Wrist Surgeries?

Patients with documented cannabis dependence demonstrated higher odds of developing wound complications following hand and wrist soft-tissue surgical procedures. This is accompanied by a higher risk of health care utilization, including readmissions and emergency department visits. Although these findings reflect an association rather than a causal relationship, cannabis dependence may serve as a useful variable in perioperative risk stratification and patient counseling.<i>Type of study/level of evidence</i>: Prognostic IIc.