April 1, 2014

The throwing or striking motion of sports such as baseball, tennis, and volleyball may result in scapular dyskinesis, partial articular-sided supraspinatus avulsions, and posterosuperior labral tears. Physical examination maneuvers and imaging may help diagnose intra-articular…

Four methods of emergency contraception are available to help prevent unintended pregnancy: combined oral contraceptives, levonorgestrel, ulipristal, and the copper intrauterine device. Advanced provision of emergency contraception can increase the rate and timeliness of use…

Acute pericarditis is diagnosed based on the history and physical examination, as well as electrocardiographic findings. Patients typically present with sharp, pleuritic, retrosternal chest pain that is relieved by sitting or leaning forward. Treatment consists of nonsteroidal…

Addison disease, also known as primary adrenal insufficiency, is usually caused by autoimmune destruction of the adrenal cortex. Symptoms often include fatigue, anorexia, and hyperpigmentation. Treatment involves hormone therapy with glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids.

Intertrigo is caused by moisture, friction, and lack of ventilation between two skin surfaces. Uncomplicated intertrigo can be treated with barrier agents and drying agents, although secondary infections require antifungals, antibiotics, or steroid creams.

Allopathic, Osteopathic Graduate Medical Education Systems Merging in 2015 | Study Finds Online Physician Ratings Only Somewhat Important to Patients | AAFP, Others to Determine Best Practices for Prescribing Controlled Substances | “Road to 10” Resource Can Help Physician…

Several guidelines now recommend that patients with heart failure limit their sodium intake. Many physicians are unaware, however, that there is controversy about the degree to which they should encourage patients with heart failure to restrict their sodium intake.

The Primary Care Residency Expansion (PCRE) program was created by the Health Resources and Services Administration in 2010 to help address the shortage of primary care physicians. If historical graduate placement trends for funded programs remain stable, the PCRE program would…

Misoprostol, administered by various routes, is as effective as expectant management and nearly as effective as uterine aspiration. All three options have high success rates for completing miscarriage. Women treated with misoprostol had higher rates of nausea, prolonged…

The collaborative care model is effective for treating adults with depression and/or anxiety using a multiprofessional approach to patient care, a structured management plan, scheduled patient follow-ups, and enhanced interprofessional communication.

The personal side of medicine told from the patient's perspective. The patient's story is followed by commentary from a physician and a list of resources.

In patients with a significant (greater than 50 pack-year) history of smoking, yearly screening for lung cancer using low-dose computed tomography (CT) will extend their lives. A significant proportion of screened patients will have a false-positive finding or a finding not…

See the Synopsis section for a summary of the updated hypertension treatment recommendations from the Eighth Joint National Committee (JNC 8).

In patients with severe atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis and hypertension or chronic kidney disease, renal artery stenting does not provide an additional benefit when added to comprehensive medical therapy that includes blood pressure and diabetes mellitus management, and…

Compared with normal saline or hyaluronic acid, multiple intra-articular injections of platelet-rich plasma significantly improved knee function but did not reduce perceived pain or improve patient satisfaction in adults with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis.

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

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

The American Academy of Neurology (AAN) studied the incidence of concussion in high school and college athletes to address related clinical questions.

Emergency contraception is birth control used after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy. It is taken when your regular form of birth control fails (such as a condom breaking), or when you forget to use birth control (such as not taking birth control pills). It can also be used…

Athletes who often throw (such as baseball or softball players) or strike a ball (such as volleyball or tennis players) are prone to shoulder injuries. The overhead throwing or striking motion can cause pinched muscles and can damage the shoulder.

Acute pericarditis (PAIR-ih-kar-DI-tiss) is an inflammation of the sac around the heart, which is called the pericardium (PAIR-ih-KAR-dee-um). It usually happens in men 20 to 50 years of age, but it can happen in anyone.