Abstract
InnovAiT is produced on a 3-year cycle. However, many articles do not significantly go out of date in that time. This section of InnovAiT summarises articles from the previous cycle of InnovAiT that GPs and GPs in training might still find useful today. The issue from September 2017 considered musculoskeletal problems, women’s health and digital technologies.
De Quervain’s tenosynovitis
Mr Devvrat Katechia and Mr Sameer Gujral
InnovAiT 2017 10(9): 505–509
Some patients with wrist pain will have De Quervain’s tenosynovitis. It is common, characterised by atraumatic pain or tenderness along the radial side of the wrist and associated with overuse or repetitive movements of wrist or thumb. This article considers clinical assessment and treatment options.
Trigger finger
Mr Devvrat Katechia and Mr Sameer Gujral
InnovAiT 2017 10(9): 510–513
DOI: 10.1177//10.1177/1755738017716190
Trigger finger is common, and a cause of hand pain caused by stenosis of the annular tendon pulley interrupting the smooth gliding of the enclosed flexor tendons. This article considers the pathophysiology, assessment and management of suspected trigger finger.
Sarcomas: Bone and soft tissue tumours
Miss Vien Toh, Sameena Hassan and Miss Anna Raurell
InnovAiT 2017 10(9): 514–520
Sarcomas are a group of malignant, connective tissue tumours of mesenchymal origin. They are rare and account for only 1.2% of all cancers in the UK. This article seeks to raise awareness of the key features and clinical guidelines. Pain and rapid change of a lump are key red flag features. Prompt referral of suspected sarcomas to the nearest sarcoma service is essential.
Chronic pelvic pain in women
Dr Alice Gardner
InnovAiT 2017 10(9): 522–527
Pain for more than 3 to 6 months is described as chronic. Pelvic pain affects the lower abdomen within the pelvis and includes dysmenorrhoea, dysuria and dyschesia. It is appropriately managed in primary care according to the framework outlined in this article, but more complex cases or red flag symptoms and signs require secondary care referral.
Management of vaginal discharge
Dr Liam Piggott and Farah Lone
InnovAiT 2017 10(9): 528–532
Vaginal discharge is a common symptom that can be physiological (most common) or pathological. Physiological discharge is clear, non-offensive and non-pruritic. Accurate assessment of pathological discharge is essential for diagnosis and appropriate management.
Endometriosis
Dr Charlotte Kukstas
InnovAiT 2017 10(9): 533–539
Endometriosis affects 10% to 15% of women of reproductive age and is characterised by the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterus. It presents with pain or as an incidental finding, often with investigation for subfertility. Delay in diagnosis is common because of the variety of symptoms that can be caused. The gold standard investigation is laparoscopy. Treatment can be medical or surgical.
Digital health in primary care
Dr Rashmi Lakshminarayana
InnovAiT 2017 10(9): 540–548
Digital technologies are being used more and more in all walks of life, including healthcare. This article considers the range of technologies and the policies that lead to adoption in primary care. It considers trends, case studies and possible future developments. We have seen more adoption and implementation of new technologies in recent months and it is interesting to consider the accelerated trajectory since publication of this article 3 years ago.