Thorlund JB, et al. - Data from Skåne Healthcare Register was connected with the Swedish Prescribed Drug Register in order to evaluate inappropriate opioid dispensing in individuals with knee or hip OA described as dispensing of opioids within the first year of diagnosis or long-term opioid use. In the incident cohorts, 5,866 and 2,359 of individuals acquired knee and hip OA, respectively. Within the first year following OA diagnosis 14.7% and 20.7% with knee OA and hip OA, respectively, had an opioid dispensed. The estimated inappropriate dispensing attributable to OA was 7.4% and 12.8% for knee OA and for hip OA, respectively. Amongst individuals with prevalent knee, hip or knee and hip OA inappropriate, long-term opioid use attributable to OA was 1.3%, 2.0% and 2.4%, respectively. In conclusion, more than half the incident opioid dispensations to individuals within their first year following knee or hip OA diagnosis, according to current treatment guidelines, are inapt. Moreover, 2% of persons with prevalent knee or hip OA have inapt long-term dispensing of opioids.