Brit J Hosp Med
-
Trauma and orthopaedics is a useful rotation for junior doctors to undertake. Experience in the specialty allows doctors to feel more confident in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the entire musculoskeletal system. Many junior doctors cover on-calls in trauma and orthopaedics departments, often with no prior specialist experience. This article provides junior doctors with up-to-date information about how to prepare for a placement in trauma and orthopaedics, as well as helpful resources for those interested in a career in trauma and orthopaedics.
-
The range of point of care tests continues to increase. Point of care testing is frequently undertaken by nonlaboratory personnel and clinicians should understand the tests available and their applicability in clinical practice.
-
Low back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide. This article highlights the importance of succinct history taking and a thorough clinical examination when managing a patient with lower back pain in hospital. Furthermore, it encourages the clinician to consider the pertinent causes of low back pain such as age-related degeneration, malignancy, trauma, infection and seronegative inflammatory spondyloarthropathies, and looks at the diagnosis, imaging features and key management options which are available in secondary care.