Current texts in rheumatology are very detailed and designed specifically for rheumatologists. This clear and concise guide is targeted at the busy clinician who comes into contact with both common and uncommon rheumatologic disorders. Many chapters presents a common clinical scenario and include a definition of the disease while outlining incidence and prevalence, common manifestations, treatment and pitfalls. A range of topics are included in the fifteen chapters including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, metabolic bone disease, gout and scleroderma, among others. Written by experts in the field, Rheumatology for Primary Care Providers is a definitive guide to rheumatology for the primary care physician and non-specialist.

In the present monograph, we offer current insights into polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arthritis. Both diseases are typical for advanced age, and their incidences increase with aging. Both diseases are a center point of interest not only for rheu- tologists, gerontologists, ophthalmologists or neurologists, but also for general prac- tioners. Early diagnosis and rapid treatment, mainly with glucocorticoids can save one of the most precious senses-vision. Damage to other organs (heart, aorta, co- nary arteries, liver, lungs, kidneys), which are supplied by the arteries affected by ischemic syndrome in the setting of giant cell arthritis, has serious consequences as well. Late diagnosis of giant cell arthritis can have fatal consequences for affected patients. It is a matter of fact that the human population is aging. Therefore, more attention has to be paid not only to diagnosis, clinical course and treatment of rheumatic d- eases in elderly, but also to their genetic, immunologic, endocrinologic, chronobiologic mechanisms, and state-of-the-art diagnostic modalities. I am convinced that the int- disciplinary research of the diseases will allow us to diagnose and treat the rheumatic diseases even faster and more effectively in the future.

Covers the causes and symptoms of arthritis; offers tips on pain control, diet, and exercise; and describes such treatment options as medications, surgical procedures, and alternative therapies.

Market forces are driving a radical restructuring of health care delivery in the United States. At the same time, more and more people are living comparatively long lives with a variety of severe chronic health conditions. Many such people are concerned about the trend toward the creation of managed care systems because their need for frequent, often complex, medical services conflicts with managed care's desires to contain costs. The fear is that people with serious chronic disorders will be excluded from or underserved by the integrated health care delivery networks now emerging. Responding to a request from the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, this book reflects the results of a workshop that focused on the following questions: Does the model of managed care or an integrated delivery system influence the types of interventions provided to patients with chronic conditions and the clinical and health status outcomes resulting from those interventions? If so, are these effects quantitatively and clinically significant, as compared to the effects that other variables (e.g., income, education, ethnicity) have on patient outcomes? If the type of health care delivery system appears to be related to patient care and outcomes, can specific organizational, financial, or other variables be identified that account for the relationships? If not, what type of research should be pursued to provide the information needed about the relationship between types of health care systems and the processes and outcomes of care provided to people with serious chronic conditions?

An ideal quick reference for primary care providers, specialists, and trainees, this accessible resource offers up-to-date assessment and management solutions for the entire range of rheumatologic diseases.

This practical study guide illustrates a variety of different scenarios of rheumatic disease in succinct question and answer format. It contains 120 complex cases with potentially unusual diagnoses designed to stimulate thought and further reading in this rapidly evolving specialty. The questions demonstrate both common and uncommon rheumatologic conditions that may be encountered on ward rounds or in clinic by using radiographs, pictures, and skin findings. Each case is based on a real-life diagnostic situation encountered by the author from his two decades of experience working in a busy consultative practice.Self Assessment in Rheumatology: An Essential Q & A Study Guide, Second Edition is an essential resource for students, postgraduate fellows, internists, and practicing physicians eager to learn more about rheumatology, test their fund of knowledge, or prepare for board examinations.

Point-of care ultrasound, or ultrasound performed and interpreted by the clinical in the clinic/office or at the bedside, has been rapidly expanding in use among multiple medical specialties. Musculoskeletal ultrasound has added value to clinical care to expedite diagnoses by visualizing mechanical versus inflammatory features and correlating these findings with patient’s symptoms. The use of power Doppler to assess for subclinical inflammation or active hyperemia has been a distinguishing use of ultrasound for rheumatologists. Accurate needle guidance with ultrasound for joint and tendon procedures has allowed expansion of procedures in the clinic and has been associated with less pain and precise targeting of affected structures. Musculoskeletal ultrasound education is now offered in nearly all rheumatology fellowship training programs in the United States and is also included in residency training in other specialties (e.g. physical medicine and rehabilitation, orthopedics, podiatry, emergency medicine, and family medicine). Since the publication of the first edition of Musculoskeletal Ultrasound in Rheumatology Review, there has been tremendous growth of musculoskeletal ultrasound in the field of rheumatology as well as other musculoskeletal specialties. The expanded second edition of this practical guide provides an updated clinical review of diagnostic and interventional applications of musculoskeletal ultrasound in rheumatology. New and revised chapters focus on the use of ultrasound in the diagnosis of specific rheumatic diseases such as osteoarthritis, scleroderma, psoriatic arthritis, gout, and lupus. Each chapter covers a standardized protocol of joint images with probe placement and includes numerous examples of common ultrasound pathologies. Study tools such as key-concept overviews, lists of important studies in the field, and extensive questions for self-assessment are included throughout. Written by current experts and thought leaders in the rapidly advancing field of rheumatology ultrasound, the second edition of Musculoskeletal Ultrasound in Rheumatology Review is an essential reference for physicians and related professionals, residents, fellows, graduate students and nurses in rheumatology, imaging and radiology, sports medicine, internal medicine, and physiotherapy.