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Biomedical subjects

D O Hough

Publications and source records attributed to D O Hough.

8 recordsLinked to original sources

Silent meniscal abnormalities in athletes: magnetic resonance imaging of asymptomatic competitive gymnasts.

BACKGROUND: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) produces exceptionally detailed images of the intra-articular structures of the knee. Recognising the range of MRI appearances within a normal population is therefore necessary in order to avoid attributing a greater significance to these than is clinically justified. OBJECTIVE: To compare MRI appearances in asymptomatic gymnasts with those in a less active population in order to identify findings that may be seen in the absence of significant pathology and thereby aid the clinical management of this athletic group. METHODS: MR images were obtained from 24 knees of asymptomatic competitive American collegiate gymnasts aged 18-22. The menisci were evaluated according to established grading criteria, and compared with a group of controls matched for age and sex. RESULTS: Grade 3 intrameniscal signal abnormalities are considered to be highly correlated with meniscal tears. When compared with control group, the experimental group of gymnasts had a significantly different distribution (p<0.001) of grade 3 intrameniscal signal changes, preferentially involving the lateral meniscus. The overall incidence of grade 3 changes (13%) in gymnasts was not, however, significantly different from the incidence in the controls. CONCLUSIONS: A knowledge of these MRI appearances is important when evaluating the lateral menisci within this group of athletes to prevent unnecessary treatment or intervention. This is particularly pertinent when the imaging findings do not closely correlate with the site of symptoms.

Adolescent↗

Diabetes mellitus in sports.

Careful monitoring and proper adjustments of insulin and caloric intake allow the diabetic athlete to participate safely and successfully in almost any activity. Close interaction between the patient, physician, dietitian, or diabetic team is essential to allowing safe participation for the diabetic athlete. Physical exercise has long been considered beneficial in the treatment of both type I and type II diabetics. Improved self-image, maintenance of ideal body weight, and decreased hypertension and lipid-related cardiovascular risk factors are readily achievable by the diabetic who regularly exercises. Improved glycemic control has not been proved to be a long-term benefit of regular exercise, and this issue will remain controversial in the future. The practicing physician should understand clearly the metabolic responses to exercise in both normal and diabetic patients. The physician should be skilled in providing proper advice regarding exercise for all diabetic patients.

Diabetes Mellitus↗

Exercise-induced asthma and anaphylaxis.

With increased popularity in exercise, the number of individuals with exercise-induced asthma (EIA), or 'exercise-induced bronchospasm', has increased due to an increased awareness among physicians of the clinical symptoms associated with EIA. EIA affects approximately 75 to 95% of asthmatic patients. 40% of children with allergic rhinitis have EIA, whereas only 3 to 11% of nonasthmatics have EIA. Although athletes with asthma have been recognised for years, EIA in nonasthmatic individuals has gained recognition since the 1984 Olympics. Vague symptoms of recurring poor performance, fatigue despite adequate conditioning, or 'getting winded' during an athlete's usual workout may be the presenting complaints. Athletes may be more likely to attribute these symptoms to poor conditioning or an upper respiratory infection, and not seek immediate assistance. Younger athletes may complain of stomach ache or refuse to participate in strenuous play because of an inability to keep up with other children. Additionally, an awareness of exercise-induced anaphylaxis needs to be considered when discussing aspects of airway compromise following exercise; however, its presentation is more urgent than those with EIA. Although the pathophysiology of EIA is somewhat controversial, the most likely explanation is a combination of heat and water loss leading to mediator release. The different medications that have been used to treat EIA are based on theories regarding the bronchial hyperreactivity of EIA.

Anaphylaxis↗

Inguinal mass in a college football player: a case study.

A 22-yr-old male college football player presented with a 3-wk history of a mass in his right inguinal area. Originally thought by the athlete to be a groin strain, evaluation revealed a large indirect inguinal hernia. Surgical evaluation was obtained to confirm the diagnosis of a 4-cm opening at the external inguinal ring. The hernia completely and spontaneously reduced in the supine position. The athlete was successfully allowed to participate with the use of a truss and underwent an uneventful surgical repair at the end of the season. The diagnosis and treatment of inguinal hernias are reviewed.

Adult↗

NCAA institutionally based drug testing: do our athletes know the rules of this game?

One aspect of the current drug-testing controversy that has gone relatively unexamined concerns the extent to which student-athletes are fully informed of the testing procedures employed by their institution. College athletes (N = 2,282) participating at 11 NCAA-affiliated institutions nationwide were surveyed as to their awareness of their school's drug-testing program. Results indicate athletes have numerous misconceptions regarding the drug testing to which they may be subjected. Over one-third of the athletes attending "testing" institutions were oblivious to the fact their school was engaged in drug-testing, and more than 70% were unable to correctly identify their school's drug-testing protocol. Implications of such ignorance are discussed.

Adult↗

Anabolic steroids and ergogenic aids.

Anabolic steroids are used by many athletes, despite adverse effects involving most organ systems. Steroid use is increasing among young athletes. General solutions to the problem include education and motivation of athletes to avoid these drugs, regulations to limit their production and distribution, and unannounced drug testing among competitors.

Adolescent↗

Continuity, family involvement, and clinical content in a year-long ambulatory care clerkship.

Entries in student logbooks for the Ambulatory Care Clerkship at the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine were tabulated by microcomputer for 38,430 patient encounters in five community campuses in 1985 and 1986, and by hand for 32,182 patient encounters in Grand Rapids from 1983 to 1987. The repeat visit rate recorded toward the end of the clerkship by students in family practice settings was approximately 60% of the rate recorded by students taking the clerkship with internists or pediatricians. Students in family practice and in pediatrics had the same degree of exposure to patient families; however, family exposure in internal medicine and in pediatrics was limited to other family members of the same generation as the patient. Distributions of the kinds of patient problems seen were distinctive by specialty and were stable across 5 years.

Ambulatory Care↗