Megale RZ, et al. - Researchers performed this systematic review with meta-analysis to assess the efficacy and safety of using opioid analgesics in older adults with musculoskeletal pain. They found that opioid analgesics had only a small effect on pain and disability in these adults. Conversely, this population was at higher risk of adverse events. Results thereby reflect age-related physiological changes in pain processing, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.