ReviewFor reprint orders, please contact: reprints@futuremedicine.comConsensus recommendations for managingosteoarthritic pain with topical NSAIDs in Asia-PacificBonifacio S Rafanan Jr*,1, Benedict F Valdeca as2, Boon Ping Lim3, Anan Malairungsakul4 , Warat Tassanawipas5, Chen Shiyi6, Lung Fung Tse7 & Tuan Khanh Luong81 Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, The Medical City, 1605 - Ortigas PO, Philippines2 Orthopaedics, Sports & Regenerative Medicine, Cardinal Santos Medical Center, San Juan, 1500 Metro Manila, Philippines3 Sime Darby Medical Centre, 47500 Subang Jaya, Malaysia4 Department of Orthopedics of Phayao Hospital, Phayao 56000, Thailand5 Department of Orthopedics of Phramongkutklao Army Hospital, Bangkok 10400, Thailand6 Department of Orthopedic Sports Medicine, Fudan University Sports Medicine Center, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai 200000, PR China7 Minimally Invasive Centre, Union Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong8 Rehabilitation Center, Bach Mai Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam* Author for correspondence: Tel.: +639178105180; junrafanan@yahoo.comOsteoarthritis prevalence is expected to increase markedly in the Asia-Pacific region due to rapid popula- tion aging. Identifying effective and safe therapeutic options to manage osteoarthritic pain is viewed as a priority. The Asia-Pacific Experts on Topical Analgesics Advisory Board developed consensus statements for use of topical NSAIDs in musculoskeletal pain. Evidence supporting these statements in osteoarthritic pain was reviewed. Best available evidence indicates that topical NSAIDs have a moderate effect on relief of osteoarthritic pain, comparable to that of oral NSAIDs but with a better risk-to-benefit ratio. Interna- tional clinical practice guidelines recommend topical NSAIDs on...
