Medical science, drawn into focus.

Acute Appendicitis

Overview Acute appendicitis is an acute inflammation of the vermiform (worm-like) appendix. It is mainly caused by obstruction of the lumen of the appendix by stool, infective agents or lymphoid hyperplasia. Acute appendicits is the most common abdominal surgical emergency in the world, with a lifetime risk of 6.9% in females and 8.6% in males.…

Hyperparathyroidism

This section will mainly focus on Primary Parathyroidism Overview Primary Hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is generalised disorder calcium, phosphate and bone metabolism due to increased secretion of parathyroid hormone normally leading to hypercalcaemia and hypophosphatemia. PHPT may present with recurrent nephrolithiasis, peptic ulcers, mental and muscle changes and less frequently bone resorption. Frequently, routine blood tests will…

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…

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Overview Complex chronic syndrome characterised by recurrent abdominal pain and bowel dysfunction, in the absence of a structural abnormality. It is not associated with an increase in mortality, however, it is associated with substantial morbidity and a significant decrease in an individual’s quality of life. IBS IBD IBS belongs to a group of disorders collectively known as Functional…

Basic Calcium Phosphate Disease / Milwaukee Shoulder Syndrome

Overview Basic Calcium Phosphate (BCP) disease is a crystal-associated arthropathy characterized by deposition of BCP crystals in periarticular and intra-articular tissues. A severe clinical presentation of BCP disease is Milwaukee Shoulder Syndrome, which typically affects elderly women, leading to rapid joint destruction, massive rotator cuff tears, and non-inflammatory joint effusion. It often involves the shoulder,…

Achilles Tendinopathy & Rupture

Overview Achilles tendinopathy & rupture are common causes of posterior ankle pain and disability, particularly in active adults. Tendinopathy presents with chronic pain, stiffness, and impaired function, while rupture is an acute injury characterised by a sudden “pop” and loss of plantarflexion power. Achilles tendon injuries are increasingly prevalent due to sports participation, with rupture…

Osteonecrosis of the Hip

Overview Osteonecrosis of the hip, usually referring to osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH), is a progressive disorder caused by compromised subchondral blood supply leading to death of osteocytes and marrow elements, failed structural repair, subchondral fracture, femoral head collapse, and eventually secondary hip osteoarthritis. [1-4]  It most often affects younger to middle-aged adults, commonly…

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