For osteoarthritis management, topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are as effective as oral NSAIDs, according to a systematic review and meta-analysis. The objective of Yuhui Wang et al. was to thoroughly assess the effectiveness and safety of topical and oral NSAIDs for treating osteoarthritis.  For finding out relevant literature, databases like Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were explored.

Only randomized controlled trials contrasting topical and oral NSAIDs were incorporated in the analysis, and Review Manager version 5.3 was used to evaluate the data (RevMan version 5.3).  Oral and topical NSAIDs generally showed equal effectiveness for the management of osteoarthritis, according to 8 RCTs (2096 subjects with osteoarthritis) that were chosen for review.

For visual analogue scale (VAS), the standardized mean difference [SMD] was -0.01 and for Western Ontario and McMaster Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), the SMD was 0.07. NSAIDs also enhanced stiffness in osteoarthritis patients (SMD 0.09). The pain-relieving effects of topical and oral NSAID formulations are comparable. To find out if there are any variations in the safety profile of topical and oral NSAIDs, more samples are still required.