Aust Fam Physician
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Patient selection for repeated spinal surgery is not uniform and must be further refined. A multidisciplinary approach with careful evaluation of physical, psychological and environmental factors is ideal. Improved imaging should delineate disorders more clearly, and advances in surgical technique may improve outcome. It is likely, however, that a number of patients will continue to require long-term pain management.
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Neuroblockade techniques can serve many functions in the management of the chronic pain patient. These various functions are discussed and a brief insight given for their use in specific pain syndromes. A run-down of the type of blocks useful in the management of cancer pain is also given.
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Osteoarthritis is the fourth most commonly managed problem in general practice in Australia. This paper provides an overview of its management in general practice.
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Anaemia due to iron deficiency remains the commonest form of anaemia world-wide, predominantly due to blood loss, either associated with infestations such as hook worm or menstrual blood loss, or malnutrition. In Australia, iron deficiency anaemia is the commonest form of anaemia and is seen in pregnant and breastfeeding females where the iron balance is often in a negative state. ⋯ Despite extensive knowledge of iron metabolism, diagnosis of iron deficiency often remains a difficult problem. The use of diagnostic tests available is discussed in this article.
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The components of a holistic pain assessment process in advanced cancer are presented. Central to the assessment and management process is recognition of different types of cancer pain, which have their own individual management emphasis. An overview of nociceptive cancer pain management is presented outlining current drugs available and the 'analgesic ladder' approach.