Back pain in the older patient

Article Abstract:

Epidural abscess may easily be misdiagnosed. Although rare, epidural abscess can cause paralysis or death. An elderly diabetic man presented with intense back pain. X rays revealed degenerative signs, and he was treated with anti-inflammatory drugs, pain relievers, and muscle relaxants. One week after hospital discharge he returned with intense pain, local tenderness, and fever. Magnetic resonance imaging suggested infection, which was confirmed via needle biopsy and blood tests. I.V. antibiotics followed by oral antibiotics was curative. Most spinal abscess patients have associated factors such as diabetes, intravenous drug use, or suppressed immune system.

Aged, Elderly, Diagnosis, Medical examination, Backache, Back pain, Abscess

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Association between osteoarthritis of the hand and knee in a population of skeletons from London

Article Abstract:

Osteoarthritis of the hand and knee appear likely to be found together in skeletons dating from the 18th and early 19th centuries. Researchers compared 115 skeletons with osteoarthritis of the hands with 115 skeletons of the same sex and age free of osteoarthritis of the hand to determine whether arthritis of the hand would be found in association with arthritis of the knee. Skeletons with osteoarthritis of the hand were six times more likely to have osteoarthritis of the knee, rising to nearly 12 times the odds if the skeleton had several arthritic joints on the hand.

Case studies, Osteoarthritis

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Factors that modify the association between knee pain and mobility limitation in older women: the Women's Health and Aging Study

Article Abstract:

Severe knee pain, obesity, and exercise were significant risk factors for disability in a study of 769 women between the ages of 65 and 101. Knee extensor weakness was not associated with limited mobility and depression only had a minor effect.

Health aspects, Causes of, Pain, Aged women, Elderly women, Disability, Disabilities

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