May 1, 2002

Although problems with the Achilles tendon are increasingly common, especially in physically active persons, the diagnosis is missed in about one fourth of cases. Basic treatme nt is often helpful, but physical therapy, orthotics, and surgery may be necessary in recalcitrant…

Most patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis do not require treatment, but family physicians need to understand the measurement of scoliotic curves and be able to discuss issues of cosmesis with patients and their families.

The complex pathophysiology of acute respiratory distress syndrome involves an inciting local or systemic event that initiates pulmonary endothelial and epithelial damage. Early identification and treatment of the underlying disorder and aggressive supportive care are essential.

Prompt treatment with dexamethasone sodium phosphate can improve outcomes in patients with spinal cord compression caused by metastatic prostate cancer. Surgical removal of a solitary brain lesion usually extends survival. Multiple brain metastases are commonly treated with a…

Lactose intolerance is a common condition with symptoms of abdominal pain, bloating, and discomfort accompanied by passage of excessive flatus and watery stool following the ingestion of foods containing lactose.

Bullous dermatoses can be debilitating and possibly fatal. Physicians should be able to recognize these blistering autoimmune diseases.

Dermal electrosurgical shave excision describes the technique of sharp removal of epidermal or dermal lesions by horizontal slicing. Electrosurgical feathering is then performed to eliminate sharp wound edges and contour the wound to the surrounding skin.

The article “Neurologic Complications of Prostate Cancer” on page 1850 exemplifies the American Academy of Family Physician's 2002 Annual Clinical Focus (ACF) on cancer. The educational initiative, which focuses on cancer prevention, detection, management, support and survival…

New Manual Available to Assist in Compliance with HIPAA | Family Practice Match Results Show Improved Fill Rate | AMSA Encourages Students to Support Work Week Regulations Act | <i>Annals of Family Medicine</i> Announces Editors | Family Physician Named Vice-Chair of COGME

Parents with young children in day care may take comfort in this news: All of those runny noses, coughs, and sneezes may not be in vain. According to a prospective study published in the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, children in large day care centers, who…

Although the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test has been in widespread use as a cancer screening tool for well over a decade, early detection and treatment remain clouded by unresolved questions. The argument over the value of PSA testing in asymptomatic men has been…

The events of September 11 have affected all of us in many different ways. Physicians are especially aware of the toll that terrorism has exacted. Some people now refuse to fly on airplanes. Others fear opening their mail. Suddenly ciprofloxacin (Cipro) has emerged as a more…

Pharmacologic treatments (desmopressin and tricyclic antidepressants) and alarm devices are effective for controlling nocturnal enuresis during treatment. There is limited evidence of lower relapse rates after stopping alarm-device treatment than after stopping medication.

What are the effects of drug treatments for acute migraine headache?

Photo Quiz presents readers with a clinical challenge based on a photograph or other image.

In May, 2000, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published revised growth charts for children. For the first time, the charts include body mass index (BMI) for children two to 20 years of age.

HTAC Report on MMR Vaccine and Autism | Health Supervision for Sickle Cell Disease | AAP Statement on Skateboard and Scooter Injuries | AHRQ Consumer Tips Sheet on Preventing Medical Errors | ACOG Opinion Paper on Placenta Accreta | CDC Report on Fluoridation of Public Drinking…

“Isn't this statutory rape?” our colleague asks. The answer is… “maybe.” Statutory rape laws were first enacted to protect minors from older predators. States differ considerably in the legal definition of statutory rape.

Cervical Cancer Screening

If you have lactose intolerance, you have trouble digesting milk, ice cream and cheese. This condition is most common among people of Asian, American Indian, Hispanic and South American, and black heritage.

Dermal electrosurgery shave excision is a procedure used to remove skin tumors and other skin growths. The technique involves shaving the growth off the skin, without penetrating the skin. Electrosurgery is used to remove any remaining tumor cells from the base of the wound…