Common forefoot deformities. How to treat, when to refer

Initial assessment of common forefoot deformities by the primary care physician is quite feasible. A thorough history, examination of the foot with the patient standing and seated, assessment of the patient's footwear, and radiographic evaluation can often lead to gratifying relief with use of simple office measures. Even in cases that require referral to an orthopedic surgeon, interim relief of symptoms and the patient's increased awareness of the problem and its cause enhance the patient's understanding and the final outcome as well.     

Computerized tomography and Trotter's syndrome in the diagnosis of maxillofacial pain

Trotter's syndrome is a clinical triad of unilateral deafness, neuralgia affecting branches of the trigeminal nerve, and defective mobility of the soft palate, which is caused by malignant tumors involving the lateral pharyngeal recess (Rosenmüller's fossa). It is an ominous presentation, which can masquerade as dental or masticatory pain. Computerized tomography (CT) can be used not only to explain the anatomic basis of Trotter's syndrome but also to determine the extent and distribution of the malignant tumor involved. The advantages of CT over conventional radiography are illustrated by a case of adenoid cystic carcinoma that presented as Trotter's syndrome. Perineural invasion by tumor is shown on the gross level for the first time with CT, and important diagnostic considerations, which may aid in the early diagnosis of future cases, are discussed.     

Adjustment and adaptation

As in many other scientific disciplines, in gerontology adaptation is a central term. Yet it is not being used in a standardized way. This article describes the concepts and theoretical approaches which can be identified in Social Gerontology, together with their functions and the results of research.     

Liability for infectious diseases in day care: legal and practical considerations

A lawsuit directed by parents at a day care program following an outbreak of infectious disease would most likely be based on the legal theory of negligence--the failure to exercise due care as required by circumstances. In the determination of liability for infectious diseases in child day care, the element of causation is most critical. Did the day care facility's actions or failure to act cause the harm? Another important question is whether an infectious disease can be occupational and under what circumstances. Although worker's compensation laws initially had no provisions for occupational disease, now all states recognize responsibility for them. Awareness of potential problems with legal liability and establishment of procedures to minimize risk are important for day care providers, public health officials, clinicians, and parents.