When I taught radiology, I would often ask the following question of my students; What two things do sharks and chondrosarcoma have in common? Although it would seem incongruous to throw in a subject like sharks with a lecture about primary bone tumors, the answer is quite interesting. Both sharks and chondrosarcomas are composed of cartilage (the shark and ray family of fishes have a cartilaginous skeleton, not a bony one).
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Fall and winter collision sports like football, hockey, and even soccer, pose unique threats to the bodies of its participants. The foot and ankle are common sites of injury. This article will focus on the current evidence-based assessment and management of one of the more troublesome ankle injuries.
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This month we will review the existing best practice literature regarding the etiology and management of lumbar disc lesions. Check out this related video to see what a real disc nucleus actually looks like. Then register for the Orthopedic Diplomate Class 1: Best Practice Management of LBP at the ICS fall convention [link needed for completion] to learn more about the most common conditions that cause LBP, the functional problems that perpetuate those conditions, and how to dramatically improve your clinical outcomes by using a highly-effective “classification” system.
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The plantar fascia is a dense, fibrous band serving as a biomechanical stabilizer, as well as a protector to the vulnerable neurovascular structures on the plantar aspect of the foot. The diagnosis “plantar fasciitis” encompasses disorders ranging from acute inflammation to chronic fibrotic degeneration, usually involving the calcaneal attachment. (1,2) Plantar fasciitis most commonly affects the medial portion of the band. (2)
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“Lateral epicondylopathy,” formerly “lateral epicondylitis, is a painful irritation of the common origin of the wrist extensor muscles. Lateral epicondylopathy (LE) is the most common cause of elbow pain. (1) The condition is related to repetitive wrist extension and is commonly referred to as “tennis elbow,” although the majority of those affected do not play tennis. (2)
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Several months back I had a young doctor shadow me in the office. No doubt this doctor will be an outstanding provider one day, and I will be very proud to call him a colleague. After a patient appointment, the doctor asked me how I determined what the treatment plan would be – a simple question. I responded in kind with a simple answer that the treatment plan was based on the findings. The young doctor looked puzzled.
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I find that the issue of spondylolisthesis has been the subject of much misinformation over the years. There are several misconceptions that I run into repeatedly in my radiology practice. I would like to review some of the basics of common spondylolistheses and hopefully dispel some of the more common, but inaccurate, beliefs.
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Have you ever thought about or developed discharge criteria for your practice? You may think to yourself at this point, that this could be a waste of time or an exercise in futility. You may think, “Why would I need discharge criteria? I will just release the patient when the pain is gone.”
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