JEFFREY C. LEGGIT, LTC, MC, USA, and CHRISTIAN J. MEKO, CAPT, MC, USA

A basic understanding of the anatomy of the finger, common finger injury mechanisms, and when referral is necessary will ensure optimal outcomes after a finger injury. Part II of this two-part article focuses on the evaluation of finger fractures and dislocations, as well as thumb injuries.

Patient information: "Mallet Finger: What You Should Know," p. 823

JEFFREY C. LEGGIT, LTC, MC, USA, and CHRISTIAN J. MEKO, CAPT, MC, USA

Family physicians can adequately treat most finger fractures and dislocations and thumb injuries, but they must recognize when referral is necessary. Part I of this two-part article focuses on the evaluation of common ligament and tendon injuries of the finger.

Patient information: "Exercising Your Finger After an Injury: What You Should Know," p. 839

CHHABI SATPATHY, M.D., TRINATH K. MISHRA, M.D., RUBY SATPATHY, M.D., HEMANT K. SATPATHY, M.D., and EUGENE BARONE, M.D.

Distinguishing diastolic from systolic heart failure is essential because the optimal therapy for one may aggravate the other. Although the two are clinically and radiographically indistinguishable, certain features may confirm a diastolic heart failure diagnosis.

ROBERT C. LANGAN, M.D.

When a healthy newborn is discharged from the hospital, physicians should give the parents a checklist covering key aspects of infant care. Parents should be encouraged to discuss their concerns and questions with their physician.

Patient information: "Caring for Your New Baby," p. 857

Editorial: "Effective Guidelines for Counseling Parents Before Discharging a Newborn," p. 771

STEVEN H. CROSSMAN, M.D.

Pelvic inflammatory disease ranges from asymptomatic to severe with serious sequelae; diagnosis generally is clinical, although further testing is available. Treatment should cover Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and some patients may require initial hospitalization.