Medical science, drawn into focus.

AC Joint Separation

Overview Acromioclavicular (AC) joint separation is a common shoulder injury, usually sustained from direct trauma such as a fall onto the tip of the shoulder. It involves varying degrees of injury to the stabilising structures of the AC joint — primarily the acromioclavicular and coracoclavicular ligaments. Clinical presentation ranges from localised tenderness and mild pain…

Acute Cholecystitis

Overview Acute cholecystitis is acute inflammation of the gallbladder, usually caused by a gallstone obstructing the cystic duct. Persistent obstruction causes gallbladder distension, inflammation and possible secondary bacterial infection. Most cases are calculous, while acalculous cholecystitis occurs mainly in critically ill or severely immunocompromised patients. Cholecystectomy: surgical removal of the gallbladder. Calculous cholecystitis: gallbladder inflammation…

Peptic Ulcer Disease

Overview Peptic ulcer refers to an ulcer in the lower oesophagus, stomach or duodenum. Incidence ↑ with age; both sexes are similarly affected. In the developed world, Helicobacter pylori incidence has been slowly ↓ over the past 50 yrs; Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory drug (NSAID) use has ↑. Peptic ulcers remain common worldwide, especially in the developing world where H. pylori infection is prevalent.…

Otitis Media

Overview Otitis media (OM) is one of the most common infections in children. OM is inflammation of the middle ear and is usually secondary to bacterial and/or viral infection. It is a complication of eustachian tube dysfunction that occurred during an acute viral upper respiratory tract infection (URTI). The URTI causes effusion in the middle ear…

Gastroenteritis (Infectious Diarrhoea)

Overview Gastroenteritis continues to cause significant morbidity in developed and developing countries. The most common cause are viral and bacterial including: Norovirus Enteric adenoviruses E-coli Salmonella spp. and Shigella spp. Campylobater jejuni Diarrhoea:  Loose, water like stools that occur with increased frequency and an increased volume of >200g per day Gastroenteritis:  >3 or more loose…

Snapping Hip Syndrome (Coxa Saltans)

Overview Snapping Hip Syndrome (SHS) is characterized by an audible or palpable “snap” around the hip during motion; it may be painless or painful and can be unilateral or bilateral. Prevalence estimates suggest up to ~5–10% of the general population may experience snapping to some degree, with higher rates in dancers and athletes who work…

Substance Dependence (Addiction), Withdrawal and Overdose

Overview of addition medicine. This section is a brief introduction to substance abuse, followed by section that look at specific drugs of addiction. Substance Misuse: Consumption above designated low risk levels Substance Abuse: repetitive substance use resulting in social complications (financial, occupational and legal) Substance Tolerance: Defined by either of the following: a need for…

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