Hisham Alsanawi
Current Organizations / Institutes
The organizations/institutes from the scholar's latest article
Research Subjects
Research Interests
Hisham Alsanawi has a total of 51 co-authors. Here are the top co-authors by number of shared publications:
- Abdulrahman Alaseem
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh 11461, Saudi Arabia
3 shared publications Waleed Albishi
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
3 shared publications- Waleed Albishi
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh 11461, Saudi Arabia
3 shared publications - Yazed AlRuthia
Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
3 shared publications - Ibrahim Alshaygy
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
2 shared publications - Laila Alsabbagh
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz University Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
2 shared publications
Latest Publications
- Open Access
- 26 January 2026
- Published by International Scientific Information, Inc. in Medical Science Monitor
- Vol. 32, e950269
The Relationship of Poor Posture While Using Electronic Devices and Periscapular Shoulder Pain
The Relationship of Poor Posture While Using Electronic Devices and Periscapular Shoulder Pain - Article abstract #950269
- 26 January 2026
- Published by International Scientific Information, Inc. in Medical Science Monitor
- Vol. 32, e950269
Open AccessThe Relationship of Poor Posture While Using Electronic Devices and Periscapular Shoulder Pain
The Relationship of Poor Posture While Using Electronic Devices and Periscapular Shoulder Pain - Article abstract #950269
- Open Access
- 22 July 2025
- Published by MDPI AG in Current Oncology
- Vol. 32 (8) , 411
Novel Surgical Reconstruction Using a 3D Printed Cement Mold Following Resection of a Rare Case of Proximal Ulna Osteosarcoma: A Case Report and Description of the Surgical Technique
Osteosarcoma is one of the most common primary bone malignancies, typically occurring around the knee. However, the forearm is a rare site, with tumors in the proximal ulna being extremely uncommon. Primary sarcoma in this location presents a surgical challenge due to the complex anatomy and limited reconstructive options. We report a rare case of a 19-year-old female with non-metastatic, high-grade giant cell-rich osteosarcoma involving the right proximal ulna. To our knowledge, this is only the second reported adult case of this histological subtype in this location. The patient was treated at a specialized oncology center with neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy, along with wide intra-articular resection for local tumor control. Reconstruction was achieved using a novel, customized 3D-printed articulating cement spacer mold with plate osteosynthesis. Artificial elbow ligamentous reconstruction was performed using FiberTape and FiberWire sutures passed through drill holes, and the triceps tendon was reattached to the cement mold using an endobutton. This cost-effective and personalized surgical approach allowed successful joint reconstruction while maintaining elbow stability and function. Our case highlights a feasible reconstructive option for rare and anatomically challenging osteosarcoma presentations, contributing to the limited literature on proximal ulna giant cell-rich osteosarcoma.
- 22 July 2025
- Published by MDPI AG in Current Oncology
- Vol. 32 (8) , 411
Open AccessNovel Surgical Reconstruction Using a 3D Printed Cement Mold Following Resection of a Rare Case of Proximal Ulna Osteosarcoma: A Case Report and Description of the Surgical Technique
Osteosarcoma is one of the most common primary bone malignancies, typically occurring around the knee. However, the forearm is a rare site, with tumors in the proximal ulna being extremely uncommon. Primary sarcoma in this location presents a surgical challenge due to the complex anatomy and limited reconstructive options. We report a rare case of a 19-year-old female with non-metastatic, high-grade giant cell-rich osteosarcoma involving the right proximal ulna. To our knowledge, this is only the second reported adult case of this histological subtype in this location. The patient was treated at a specialized oncology center with neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy, along with wide intra-articular resection for local tumor control. Reconstruction was achieved using a novel, customized 3D-printed articulating cement spacer mold with plate osteosynthesis. Artificial elbow ligamentous reconstruction was performed using FiberTape and FiberWire sutures passed through drill holes, and the triceps tendon was reattached to the cement mold using an endobutton. This cost-effective and personalized surgical approach allowed successful joint reconstruction while maintaining elbow stability and function. Our case highlights a feasible reconstructive option for rare and anatomically challenging osteosarcoma presentations, contributing to the limited literature on proximal ulna giant cell-rich osteosarcoma.
- Open Access
- 6 May 2025
- Published by Elsevier in JSES Reviews, Reports, and Techniques
- Vol. 5 (3) , 523-532
Systematic review of measurement properties of patient-reported outcome measures in patients with elbow-related orthopedic conditions
- 6 May 2025
- Published by Elsevier in JSES Reviews, Reports, and Techniques
- Vol. 5 (3) , 523-532
Open AccessSystematic review of measurement properties of patient-reported outcome measures in patients with elbow-related orthopedic conditions
- 21 December 2024
- Published by Springer Nature in Indian Journal of Orthopaedics
- Vol. 59 (6) , 785-792
Elevated Critical Shoulder Angle and Acromion Index as Predictors of Symptomatic Rotator Cuff Tears: A Comparative Case–Control Study
Background Rotator cuff tears are one of the most frequent pathologies behind shoulder pain among patients worldwide. Some studies have suggested a relationship between critical shoulder angle (CSA), acromion index (AI) and the diagnosis of a rotator cuff tear (RCT). Given the large variation among studies in the literature, we conducted this study to investigate the relationship between these radiologic values and the presence of symptomatic RCTs. Methods Medical records, radiographs, and MRIs of patients who had undergone rotator cuff repair for symptomatic tears were collected. Patients with normal rotator cuffs was also included in the study as a control group for comparison. Results A total of 160 patients with RCT and 106 matched control patients with a normal rotator cuff were included in our study. Among the RCT group, 87.5% of patients had a CSA value greater than 35° when measured by X-ray, and 65.6% had a CSA greater than 35° when MRI was utilized (p < 0.0001). In addition, 83.125% of patients had an AI greater than 0.7194 (p < 0.0001). The mean CSA measured by X-ray was significantly higher in the tear group (M = 40.27, SD = 4.70) compared to the control group (M = 33.70, SD = 5.39), p < 0.001. Similarly, the mean CSA measured by MRI was significantly higher in the RCT group (M = 37.24, SD = 4.37) compared to the control group (M = 32.13, SD = 4.76), p < 0.001. The mean AI measured by X-ray was also significantly higher in the RCT group (M = 0.80, SD = 0.08) compared to the control group (M = 0.64, SD = 0.10), p < 0.001. Conclusions Patients with symptomatic RCT had significantly elevated CSA and AI, whether measured by X-ray or MRI, compared with patients with normal rotator cuffs.
- 21 December 2024
- Published by Springer Nature in Indian Journal of Orthopaedics
- Vol. 59 (6) , 785-792
Elevated Critical Shoulder Angle and Acromion Index as Predictors of Symptomatic Rotator Cuff Tears: A Comparative Case–Control Study
Background Rotator cuff tears are one of the most frequent pathologies behind shoulder pain among patients worldwide. Some studies have suggested a relationship between critical shoulder angle (CSA), acromion index (AI) and the diagnosis of a rotator cuff tear (RCT). Given the large variation among studies in the literature, we conducted this study to investigate the relationship between these radiologic values and the presence of symptomatic RCTs. Methods Medical records, radiographs, and MRIs of patients who had undergone rotator cuff repair for symptomatic tears were collected. Patients with normal rotator cuffs was also included in the study as a control group for comparison. Results A total of 160 patients with RCT and 106 matched control patients with a normal rotator cuff were included in our study. Among the RCT group, 87.5% of patients had a CSA value greater than 35° when measured by X-ray, and 65.6% had a CSA greater than 35° when MRI was utilized (p < 0.0001). In addition, 83.125% of patients had an AI greater than 0.7194 (p < 0.0001). The mean CSA measured by X-ray was significantly higher in the tear group (M = 40.27, SD = 4.70) compared to the control group (M = 33.70, SD = 5.39), p < 0.001. Similarly, the mean CSA measured by MRI was significantly higher in the RCT group (M = 37.24, SD = 4.37) compared to the control group (M = 32.13, SD = 4.76), p < 0.001. The mean AI measured by X-ray was also significantly higher in the RCT group (M = 0.80, SD = 0.08) compared to the control group (M = 0.64, SD = 0.10), p < 0.001. Conclusions Patients with symptomatic RCT had significantly elevated CSA and AI, whether measured by X-ray or MRI, compared with patients with normal rotator cuffs.
- Open Access
- 15 January 2022
- Published by Wolters Kluwer Health in International Journal of Surgery Case Reports
- Vol. 91 (C) , 106770
Chondrosarcoma of the proximal radius treated by wide resection and reconstructed by 3D printed implant
Introduction: Chondrosarcoma is the second most common primary malignancy of bone that can occur in multiple locations in the skeleton. It has been rarely reported in the proximal radius. While surgical resection is the primary treatment modality for individuals with localized disease, reconstruction can be challenging in the elbow joint due to its complex anatomy. 3D printing technology can be used in such complex cases to restore the normal anatomy after resection. Case presentation: We present a case of mesenchymal chondrosarcoma in a 33-year-old male occurring in the proximal radius, restricting his elbow motion. That was resected and reconstructed using 3D modeling. Restoring a functional range of motion without instability. Discussion: Many surgical options for chondrosarcoma presented over the years including en bloc resection, resection with or without reconstruction, or amputation. Usage of 3D modeling in the orthopedic surgery field is relatively new and it can be used in pre-operative planning and shortens surgical time. 3D printing in our case helped in obtaining a full range of motion (flexion, extension, pronation, and supination) for the patient. Conclusion: It's important to reconstruct elbow joint support structure and function after resection of such a large malignant tumor in young patients. We used 3D printed implant to maintain a functional limb and it was an excellent alternative treatment. Highlights:
- 15 January 2022
- Published by Wolters Kluwer Health in International Journal of Surgery Case Reports
- Vol. 91 (C) , 106770
Open AccessChondrosarcoma of the proximal radius treated by wide resection and reconstructed by 3D printed implant
Introduction: Chondrosarcoma is the second most common primary malignancy of bone that can occur in multiple locations in the skeleton. It has been rarely reported in the proximal radius. While surgical resection is the primary treatment modality for individuals with localized disease, reconstruction can be challenging in the elbow joint due to its complex anatomy. 3D printing technology can be used in such complex cases to restore the normal anatomy after resection. Case presentation: We present a case of mesenchymal chondrosarcoma in a 33-year-old male occurring in the proximal radius, restricting his elbow motion. That was resected and reconstructed using 3D modeling. Restoring a functional range of motion without instability. Discussion: Many surgical options for chondrosarcoma presented over the years including en bloc resection, resection with or without reconstruction, or amputation. Usage of 3D modeling in the orthopedic surgery field is relatively new and it can be used in pre-operative planning and shortens surgical time. 3D printing in our case helped in obtaining a full range of motion (flexion, extension, pronation, and supination) for the patient. Conclusion: It's important to reconstruct elbow joint support structure and function after resection of such a large malignant tumor in young patients. We used 3D printed implant to maintain a functional limb and it was an excellent alternative treatment. Highlights:
- Open Access
Orthopedic Surgeons’ Views of Hyaluronic Acid Formulations in the Management of Knee Osteoarthritis: A Questionnaire-Based Cross-Sectional Study
Background and Objectives: Multiple hyaluronic acid (HA) products were approved and marketed to manage osteoarthritis (OA). Although these products are widely prescribed by orthopedic surgeons to manage OA, especially knee OA, the therapeutic value of these products is highly uncertain. Few studies with significant limitations in their designs have indicated positive outcomes among OA patients treated with HA; however, their results were inconclusive. Thus, we aimed to explore the therapeutic value of different HA products in alleviating knee OA pain and improving patients’ physical function from the orthopedic surgeons’ perspective. Materials and Methods: This was a questionnaire-based cross-sectional study in which practicing orthopedic surgeons in two countries (e.g., Saudi Arabia and Jordan) were invited to participate. The 10-item, newly developed questionnaire inquired about the respondents’ sociodemographic characteristics (e.g., age, gender, country, years of experience), and their opinions regarding the efficacy of HA products in the management of OA (e.g., efficacy in improving mobility and alleviating pain). Results: Out of the 200 orthopedic surgeons who were invited to participate, 122 (61%) filled out the questionnaire. Most of the respondents were from Saudi Arabia (58%), aged 35 to 55 years (68%), had at least 10 years of experience (69%), and male (98%). About 80% of the respondents reported prescribing HA, such as Hyalgan®, Orthovisc®, Hyalubrix®, and Crespine Gel®. About 66% of the respondents believed that HA was moderately to highly effective in managing knee OA, and 34% believed that HA was either ineffective or mildly effective. Pain at the site of injection (44.3%) and rash or local skin reactions (22.1%) were the most commonly reported adverse events. Conclusions: The variations in the formulation of different HA brands (e.g., molecular weight and cross-linking) did not seem to offer any therapeutic advantage. HA might have value in the management of knee OA; however, its value is highly uncertain and necessitates more well-designed studies to further examine its therapeutic value.
Open AccessOrthopedic Surgeons’ Views of Hyaluronic Acid Formulations in the Management of Knee Osteoarthritis: A Questionnaire-Based Cross-Sectional Study
Background and Objectives: Multiple hyaluronic acid (HA) products were approved and marketed to manage osteoarthritis (OA). Although these products are widely prescribed by orthopedic surgeons to manage OA, especially knee OA, the therapeutic value of these products is highly uncertain. Few studies with significant limitations in their designs have indicated positive outcomes among OA patients treated with HA; however, their results were inconclusive. Thus, we aimed to explore the therapeutic value of different HA products in alleviating knee OA pain and improving patients’ physical function from the orthopedic surgeons’ perspective. Materials and Methods: This was a questionnaire-based cross-sectional study in which practicing orthopedic surgeons in two countries (e.g., Saudi Arabia and Jordan) were invited to participate. The 10-item, newly developed questionnaire inquired about the respondents’ sociodemographic characteristics (e.g., age, gender, country, years of experience), and their opinions regarding the efficacy of HA products in the management of OA (e.g., efficacy in improving mobility and alleviating pain). Results: Out of the 200 orthopedic surgeons who were invited to participate, 122 (61%) filled out the questionnaire. Most of the respondents were from Saudi Arabia (58%), aged 35 to 55 years (68%), had at least 10 years of experience (69%), and male (98%). About 80% of the respondents reported prescribing HA, such as Hyalgan®, Orthovisc®, Hyalubrix®, and Crespine Gel®. About 66% of the respondents believed that HA was moderately to highly effective in managing knee OA, and 34% believed that HA was either ineffective or mildly effective. Pain at the site of injection (44.3%) and rash or local skin reactions (22.1%) were the most commonly reported adverse events. Conclusions: The variations in the formulation of different HA brands (e.g., molecular weight and cross-linking) did not seem to offer any therapeutic advantage. HA might have value in the management of knee OA; however, its value is highly uncertain and necessitates more well-designed studies to further examine its therapeutic value.
- Open Access
- 18 September 2021
- Published by MDPI AG in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
- Vol. 18 (18) , 9831
Estimated Direct Medical Cost of Osteoporosis in Saudi Arabia: A Single-Center Retrospective Cost Analysis
Osteoporosis and its complications are a major health concern in Saudi Arabia, and the prevalence of osteoporosis is on the rise. The aim of this study was to estimate the direct healthcare cost for patients with osteoporosis. A retrospective study was carried out among adult patients with osteoporosis in a teaching hospital in Saudi Arabia. A bottom-up approach was conducted to estimate the healthcare resources used and the total direct medical cost for the treatment of osteoporosis and related fractures. The study included 511 osteoporosis patients, 93% of whom were female. The average (SD) age was 68.5 years (10.2). The total mean direct medical costs for patients without fractures were USD 975.77 per person per year (PPPY), and for those with osteoporotic fractures, the total direct costs were USD 9716.26 PPPY, of which 56% of the costs were attributable to surgery procedures. Prior to fractures, the main cost components were medication, representing 61%, and physician visits, representing 18%. The findings of this study indicated the economic impact of osteoporosis and related fractures. With the aging population in Saudi Arabia, the burden of disease could increase significantly, which highlights the need for effective prevention strategies to minimize the economic burden of osteoporosis.
- 18 September 2021
- Published by MDPI AG in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
- Vol. 18 (18) , 9831
Open AccessEstimated Direct Medical Cost of Osteoporosis in Saudi Arabia: A Single-Center Retrospective Cost Analysis
Osteoporosis and its complications are a major health concern in Saudi Arabia, and the prevalence of osteoporosis is on the rise. The aim of this study was to estimate the direct healthcare cost for patients with osteoporosis. A retrospective study was carried out among adult patients with osteoporosis in a teaching hospital in Saudi Arabia. A bottom-up approach was conducted to estimate the healthcare resources used and the total direct medical cost for the treatment of osteoporosis and related fractures. The study included 511 osteoporosis patients, 93% of whom were female. The average (SD) age was 68.5 years (10.2). The total mean direct medical costs for patients without fractures were USD 975.77 per person per year (PPPY), and for those with osteoporotic fractures, the total direct costs were USD 9716.26 PPPY, of which 56% of the costs were attributable to surgery procedures. Prior to fractures, the main cost components were medication, representing 61%, and physician visits, representing 18%. The findings of this study indicated the economic impact of osteoporosis and related fractures. With the aging population in Saudi Arabia, the burden of disease could increase significantly, which highlights the need for effective prevention strategies to minimize the economic burden of osteoporosis.
- Open Access
- 22 June 2021
- Published by Springer Nature in Cureus
- Vol. 13 (6) , e15834
Combined Intraoperative Arthroscopic and Fluoroscopic Guided Reduction of a Lateral Tibial Plateau Fracture Using Minimally Invasive Metaphyseal and Intraarticular Fixation: Description of a Surgical Technique
Tibial plateau fractures are quite common among lower limb fractures. Several fracture classifications exist including Schatzker classification, in which tibial plateau fractures are divided into six types where each increasing numerical category indicates increasing severity of the injury and worsening prognosis. Arthroscopic-assisted techniques using a lateral or medial metaphyseal window have shown results comparable to open internal fixation methods with multiple advantages. We present a case of a medically and surgically free 40-year-old lady who presented to our emergency department complaining of left knee pain following a fall from the stairs. Clinically there was significant swelling and tenderness over the lateral aspect of the left proximal tibia, radiographs showed a Schatzker type III tibial plateau fracture, confirmed by computed tomography (CT). A combined intraoperative arthroscopic- and fluoroscopic-guided reduction of the articular depression through a lateral cortical window was achieved and the fracture was fixed using a minimally invasive fixation technique. The postoperative course was uneventful. The patient had recovered full range of motion and the wounds were barely visible. One-year X-ray showed healed fracture without any evidence of displacement or subsidence.
- 22 June 2021
- Published by Springer Nature in Cureus
- Vol. 13 (6) , e15834
Open AccessCombined Intraoperative Arthroscopic and Fluoroscopic Guided Reduction of a Lateral Tibial Plateau Fracture Using Minimally Invasive Metaphyseal and Intraarticular Fixation: Description of a Surgical Technique
Tibial plateau fractures are quite common among lower limb fractures. Several fracture classifications exist including Schatzker classification, in which tibial plateau fractures are divided into six types where each increasing numerical category indicates increasing severity of the injury and worsening prognosis. Arthroscopic-assisted techniques using a lateral or medial metaphyseal window have shown results comparable to open internal fixation methods with multiple advantages. We present a case of a medically and surgically free 40-year-old lady who presented to our emergency department complaining of left knee pain following a fall from the stairs. Clinically there was significant swelling and tenderness over the lateral aspect of the left proximal tibia, radiographs showed a Schatzker type III tibial plateau fracture, confirmed by computed tomography (CT). A combined intraoperative arthroscopic- and fluoroscopic-guided reduction of the articular depression through a lateral cortical window was achieved and the fracture was fixed using a minimally invasive fixation technique. The postoperative course was uneventful. The patient had recovered full range of motion and the wounds were barely visible. One-year X-ray showed healed fracture without any evidence of displacement or subsidence.
- Open Access
- 1 November 2020
- Published by Taylor & Francis in Journal of Pain Research
- Vol. ume 13, 2929-2936
Predictors of Opioid Prescription Among a Sample of Patients with Acute Musculoskeletal Pain at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Saudi Arabia
Background: Musculoskeletal pain is one of the most complex and debilitating types of pain. Although different pharmacologic treatments are available, very few studies have explored the predictors for opioid analgesics prescription to manage this type of pain. Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the predictors for opioid prescription in patients with acute musculoskeletal pain in Saudi Arabia. Methods: This was a single-center, retrospective chart review of adult patients (≥ 18 yrs.) with an acute nociceptive musculoskeletal pain at a university-affiliated medical center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Cancer patients and those with chronic neuropathic pain were excluded. Patients’ age, gender, number of comorbidities, duration of pain management, number of clinic visits for pain, and Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) scores at rest and with normal activities were collected. Multiple logistic regression was conducted to examine the relationship between the type of musculoskeletal pain and the prescription of opioid analgesics controlling for NPRS score on activity, age, gender, number of comorbidities, duration of pain treatment, and number of clinic visits for pain. Results: The mean age of the 227 patients, who met the inclusion criteria, was 39 years and 68% of them were male. Sixty-three percent of the patients were prescribed opioid analgesics, and 61% of them had shoulder pain, 29% had back pain, and 10% had lower extremity pain (eg, hip, thigh, lower leg, knee, ankle, and foot pain). Tramadol was the most commonly prescribed opioid analgesic (82%), followed by codeine (13%). Ninety-seven percent of patients who were prescribed non-opioid analgesics had shoulder pain. Patients with shoulder pain had lower odds of receiving opioid analgesics (OR=0.019, P< 0.0001, 95% CI=0.004– 0.081) in comparison to their counterparts who had lower extremity or back pains. Moreover, the higher the pain score on activity was, the higher odds of receiving opioid analgesics (OR=1.317, P< 0.0001, 95% CI=1.029– 1.685). Conclusion: Future studies should explore the impact of different opioid prescribing policies to improve the quality of patient care and reduce the unnecessary prescribing of opioids for patients with non-cancer musculoskeletal pain.
- 1 November 2020
- Published by Taylor & Francis in Journal of Pain Research
- Vol. ume 13, 2929-2936
Open AccessPredictors of Opioid Prescription Among a Sample of Patients with Acute Musculoskeletal Pain at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Saudi Arabia
Background: Musculoskeletal pain is one of the most complex and debilitating types of pain. Although different pharmacologic treatments are available, very few studies have explored the predictors for opioid analgesics prescription to manage this type of pain. Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the predictors for opioid prescription in patients with acute musculoskeletal pain in Saudi Arabia. Methods: This was a single-center, retrospective chart review of adult patients (≥ 18 yrs.) with an acute nociceptive musculoskeletal pain at a university-affiliated medical center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Cancer patients and those with chronic neuropathic pain were excluded. Patients’ age, gender, number of comorbidities, duration of pain management, number of clinic visits for pain, and Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) scores at rest and with normal activities were collected. Multiple logistic regression was conducted to examine the relationship between the type of musculoskeletal pain and the prescription of opioid analgesics controlling for NPRS score on activity, age, gender, number of comorbidities, duration of pain treatment, and number of clinic visits for pain. Results: The mean age of the 227 patients, who met the inclusion criteria, was 39 years and 68% of them were male. Sixty-three percent of the patients were prescribed opioid analgesics, and 61% of them had shoulder pain, 29% had back pain, and 10% had lower extremity pain (eg, hip, thigh, lower leg, knee, ankle, and foot pain). Tramadol was the most commonly prescribed opioid analgesic (82%), followed by codeine (13%). Ninety-seven percent of patients who were prescribed non-opioid analgesics had shoulder pain. Patients with shoulder pain had lower odds of receiving opioid analgesics (OR=0.019, P< 0.0001, 95% CI=0.004– 0.081) in comparison to their counterparts who had lower extremity or back pains. Moreover, the higher the pain score on activity was, the higher odds of receiving opioid analgesics (OR=1.317, P< 0.0001, 95% CI=1.029– 1.685). Conclusion: Future studies should explore the impact of different opioid prescribing policies to improve the quality of patient care and reduce the unnecessary prescribing of opioids for patients with non-cancer musculoskeletal pain.