Approach to the Patient with Asymptomatic Hyperuricemia Hyperuricemia is defined physiologically as the level above which the serum is fully saturated with uric acid (i.e., serum uric acid concentration >6.8…
Approach to Common Problems of the Foot and Ankle Richard J. de Asla Ann H. Johnson John Kwon Christopher P. Chiodo Primary physicians are often consulted for advice and help…
Approach to Minor Orthopedic Problems of the Elbow, Wrist, and Hand Jesse B. Jupiter David Ring As the physician of first contact, the primary care practitioner encounters a host of…
Evaluation of Knee Pain The knee joint is frequently the site of trauma, degenerative disease, inflammatory arthritis, and rheumatologic conditions. Disability can be considerable because of the inability to bear…
Approach to the Patient with Shoulder Pain Jesse B. Jupiter David Ring The shoulder is a complex joint integrating three bones, four joints, and more than 15 muscles; its mobility…
Evaluation of Hip Pain Hip pain can be a major source of misery for both patient and family. The joint is essential to locomotion and weight bearing and is frequently…
Approach to the Patient with Muscle Cramps Muscle cramps are prolonged, involuntary muscle contractions that can be painful and difficult to manage but rarely reflect serious underlying disease. True cramps…
Evaluation of Neck Pain The primary care physician is often faced with the patient who complains of a stiff neck; most of the time, the problem is musculoskeletal in origin….
Approach to the Patient with Back Pain Back pain is the second most frequent complaint in primary care practice and one of the leading causes of disability. Most back pain…
Evaluation of Polyarticular Complaints Polyarticular complaints are among the most frequent in primary care practice and are often associated with considerable loss of function. Although osteoarthritis accounts for many of…
