Sheer R, et al. - Researchers conducted this retrospective analysis of administrative claims data to determine factors associated with the use of a prescription topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or a prescription oral NSAID for the treatment of sprains, strains, and contusions among 42,283 patients aged 65–89 years enrolled in the Medicare Advantage with Prescription Drug plan. The patients were prescribed an oral or topical NSAID (oral, n=39,294; topical, n=2,989) within 3 months of the index sprain, strain, and contusion diagnosis. Compared with oral NSAIDs, topical NSAIDs were used less frequently following a sprain, strain, or contusion. Significant factors associated with topical NSAID as opposed to oral NSAID use included age, medication burden, pill burden, evidence of gastrointestinal disorder, and evidence of certain pain-related conditions. Topical NSAIDs were more frequently prescribed over oral NSAIDs in a physician’s office vs an emergency department—possibly due to a patient’s physician having a better understanding of the patient’s concomitant medications and comorbidities. Despite the more frequent use of topical NSAIDs than oral NSAIDs in patients with gastrointestinal disorders, substantial oral NSAIDs use was identified among patients with gastrointestinal bleeding.