A 25-year-old man was seen in the orthopedic clinic with a complaint of severe, exquisite pain at the ulnar aspect of the distal phalanx of his dominant right index finger. The pain had been present for 10 years, but he had not sought treatment. More »
Several occupational tasks are associated with symptomatic lower extremity osteoarthritis (OA). A variety of physically demanding tasks are associated with increased odds for knee OA and
hip OA, and there is a particularly strong association with lifting tasks. More »
Contrary to earlier reports, oral bisphosphonate use in older patients at high risk for osteoporosis does not appear to be associated with a significant risk of subsequent musculoskeletal pain. More »
Nothing can replace talking with patients. This can take substantial amounts of time, but it is the only way to obtain as clear a view as possible about whether a patient is benefiting from treatment. More »
Most of the youngest Americans have viewed IPods and video games as essentials for many years. Yet their use to distract kids with cancer from their pain is still in beta testing. More »
Studies have shown that 90% of patients with advanced cancer experience severe pain. Studies have also found that more than 50% of patients are undertreated for their cancer pain. Considering that we have the ability to properly manage the great majority of cancer pain, why are so many of our... More »
Throughout history, various forms of morphine have been the most effective medications in relieving pain. Opioid analgesics—the natural, semisynthetic, and synthetic derivatives of morphine—are used routinely in the management of acute musculoskeletal pain. However, myths and misunderstandings about... More »
Vertebroplasty was found to be an effective treatment for chronic back pain due to osteoporotic vertebral collapses in a study of more than 1500 patients followed for seven years. More »
