Abstract: External application of Chinese patent medicines have unique advantages in the treatment of orthopedic diseases. However, more attention are needed to this category of medicine that are over the counter(OTC) to maximize the therapeutic effects and minimize medication risk. This article summarizes risk characteristics and the relevant factors by analysis of the typical safety case reports and put forward that it is an important measure to abide the conventional and special rules during medication.

Key words: Key word：orthopedics, over the counter(OTC), chinese patent medicine, evaluation, rational use, risk management