Biomedical subjects

F G O'Connor

Publications and source records attributed to F G O'Connor.

7 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2000

Evaluation of overuse elbow injuries.

The evaluation of elbow pain can be challenging because of the complexity of the joint and its central location in the upper extremity. Diagnosing the injury correctly requires an understanding of the anatomy of the elbow, which includes three articulations, two ligament complexes, four muscle groups and three major nerves. The history should be directed at pinpointing the location of symptoms and the activities that cause the patient's pain. It is important to identify the specific musculotendinous structures that are at risk for overuse or have been injured through overuse. Mechanical symptoms are indicative of intra-articular pathology, whereas neurologic symptoms are characteristic of nerve entrapment syndromes. Physical examination of the elbow and related structures should confirm the diagnosis. Only a minority of patients require diagnostic studies. Basic treatment principles are described by the acronym PRICEMM: protection, rest, ice, compression, elevation, medication and modalities (physical therapy). Surgical consultation is warranted in selected patients.

Cumulative Trauma Disorders↗

PubMed1999

Exercise-related syncope in the young athlete: reassurance, restriction or referral?

A common event in young adults, syncope is usually benign and only rarely requires more than simple reassurance. However, exercise-related syncope always requires investigation because it may be the only symptom that precedes a sudden cardiac death. Syncope that occurs during exercise tends to be more ominous than that occurring in the postexertional state. During the physical examination, the cardiovascular system should be evaluated carefully. An electrocardiogram is mandatory and requires close scrutiny, with further testing ordered as indicated. The investigation of syncope should specifically exclude known pathologic diagnoses before a complete return to activity is permitted. In cases where a diagnosis is not clearly established, consultation or referral may be warranted.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

Sudden death in young athletes: screening for the needle in a haystack.

Nontraumatic sudden death in young athletes is always disturbing, as apparently invincible athletes, become, without warning, victims of silent heart disease. Despite public perception to the contrary, sudden death in young athletes is exceedingly rare. It most commonly occurs in male athletes, who have estimated death rates nearly fivefold greater than the rates of female athletes. Congenital cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of non-traumatic sudden athletic death, with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy being the most common cause. Screening athletes for disorders capable of provoking sudden death is a challenge because of the low prevalence of disease, and the cost and limitations of available screening tests. Current recommendations for cardiovascular screening call for a careful history and physical examination performed by a knowledgeable health care provider. Specialized testing is recommended only in cases that warrant further evaluation.

Death, Sudden↗

PubMed1996

Shoulder pain: the role of diagnostic injections.

Many different shoulder disorders cause similar symptoms and pain patterns. An accurate diagnosis can generally be made by obtaining a detailed history, performing a comprehensive, directed physical examination and obtaining selected radiographs. Occasionally, shoulder injections can be of great assistance in establishing a clear diagnosis and providing relief of symptoms. Subacromial space injection, acromioclavicular joint injection, intra-articular injection and injection of the biceps tendon are helpful in identifying such disorders as subacromial bursitis, acromioclavicular arthritis, injury to the glenohumeral joint and bicipital tendinitis.

Arthritis↗

PubMed1996

Patient profile, referral sources, and consultant utilization in a primary care sports medicine clinic.

BACKGROUND: Sports medicine has matured as a focused discipline within primary care with the number of primary care sports medicine physicians growing annually. The practices of these physicians range from "part-time" sports medicine as a part of a broader practice in their primary specialty, to functioning as a full-time team physician for a university or college. Managed care organizations are increasingly incorporating primary care sports medicine providers into their organizations. The optimal role of these providers in a managed care system has not been described. METHODS: A descriptive analysis was made of patient contacts in a referral-based, free-standing primary care sports medicine clinic associated with a large managed care system. This study describes patient information including demographic data, referral source, primary diagnosis, specialized diagnostic testing, and subsequent specialty consultation. RESULTS: A total of 1857 patient contacts were analyzed. New patients were referred from a full range of physicians both primary care (family practice, internal medicine, pediatrics, and emergency physicians) and other specialists, with family practice clinic providers (physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners) accounting for the largest percentage of new referrals. The majority of patient visits were for orthopedic injuries (95.4%); the most frequently involved injury sites were: knee (26.5%), shoulder (18.2%), back (14.3%), and ankle (10%). The most common types of injury were: tendinitis (21.3%), chronic anterior knee pain (10.6%), and ligament sprains (9.9%). Specialized testing was requested for 8% of all patients. The majority of patients were treated at the Ft Belvoir Sports Medicine Clinic by primary care sports medicine physicians without further specialty referral. CONCLUSIONS: Primary care sports medicine physicians offer an intermediate level of care for patients while maintaining a practice in their primary care specialty. This dual practice is ideal in the managed care setting. This study demonstrates the complementary nature of primary care sports medicine and orthopedics, with the primary care sports medicine physician reducing the demand on orthopedists for nonsurgical treatment. This study also demonstrates the need for revision in the orthopedic curriculum for primary care physicians.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1993

Low back pain in military basic trainees. A pilot study.

Many studies have been done to elucidate risk factors for low back pain in the general population. A review of the literature reveals that no studies have described low back pain in the military. A pilot study was performed to evaluate the incidence, prevalence, and risk factors of low back pain in a group of military basic trainees. We found an incidence of 17%. Of numerous demographic and risk factors studied, only cigarette use was significantly associated with low back pain. A previous history of chronic low back pain was not significantly associated with low back pain during training but was predictive of difficulty completing training. The authors conclude that low back pain occurs frequently during Army basic training and that cigarette smoking is associated with increased risk.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

The injured shoulder. Primary care assessment.

Shoulder problems are the second most common orthopedic complaint in primary care medicine. The range of motion, ligamentous and muscular support, and central location of the shoulder are key factors for the successful performance of persons at work or on the playing field. These special attributes also contribute to injury and to difficulty in assessing the painful shoulder. An understanding of the pertinent anatomic structures, the differential diagnosis of shoulder pain (intrinsic and referred pains), and a systematic approach to the evaluation including a complete history and physical examination are necessary in this assessment. Adequate examination consists of inspection, muscle strength and range-of-motion testing, palpation, and neurologic testing of the shoulder, neck, and elbow followed by special tests to detect impingement, instability, or tendinosis. This basic assessment is augmented by the proper use of radiographs, arthrography, computed tomography, ultrasonography, and magnetic resonance imaging. An adequate database and proper assessment of the injured shoulder allow the primary care physician to make a pathoanatomic diagnosis and formulate an appropriate treatment plan and make appropriate use of orthopedic consultants.

Acute Disease↗