Osteoarthritis is a common joint disorder in the elder population.The current treatment
options include both a non-pharmacological approach (physiokinesitherapy, diet) or if this
fails, a pharmacological approach that relies in the first instance on drugs such as
paracetamol, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (including inhibitors of cyclo-oxygenase).
However, the use of these drugs is limited, by the roof effect concerning analgesia, and by
the potential side effects. When pharmacological treatments with non-opioid medications fail,
and a moderate-to-severe pain reduces the quality of life of the patient, international
guidelines suggest the use of opioid drugs.