Advance Articles

It is generally acknowledged that osteopathic physicians take a holistic approach to patient care. This style may help prevent the progression of painful musculoskeletal conditions, particularly if combined with osteopathic manipulative treatment. This study aimed to determine if osteopathic medical care lowers the risk of progression from localized chronic low back pain to widespread pain and lessens the impact of pain on health-related quality of life.

The authors sought to determine the challenges faced by former AOA-accredited surgical subspecialty programs during the transition to ACGME accreditation, particularly otolaryngology and ophthalmology programs in underresourced settings.

Although pudendal neuralgia (PN) has received growing interest over the last few years, diagnosis remains difficult, and many different therapeutic approaches can be considered. This review article aims to provide an overview of the possible treatments of PN and investigate their efficacies.

The authors present a case of a patient who was found to have hereditary spherocytosis (HS) after developing nephrotic range proteinuria. The patient had diabetes that was previously thought to be well controlled, but his HS was masking his poor glycemic control. This case highlights the importance of understanding the limitations of the hemoglobin A1c in managing patients with diabetes.

In this study, the authors attempt to determine whether a comprehensive osteopathic primary care sports medicine approach can improve performance and health outcomes in collegiate athletes.

Osteopathic manipulation treatments (OMTs) targeting identified somatic dysfunctions can correct structural asymmetries and malalignment, restoring the ability for proper compensation of stresses throughout the body. Little is currently known about the ability for OMTs to reduce gait asymmetries, thereby reducing the risk of injury, accelerated disease progression, and suboptimal recovery. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate whether osteopathic screening and treatment could alter movement and loading asymmetry during treadmill walking.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many clinicians quickly adapted their way of practicing patient care by offering telehealth and virtual office visits while simultaneously having to minimize direct patient care. The shift in direct clinical learning opportunities provided to third- and fourth-year medical students required a shift in the educational curriculum to develop learner skills around the appropriate use of telehealth in patient care. The aim of this project was to provide exposure to students so they could learn the telemedicine equipment and best practices, and how to identify infectious diseases to improve access to care and meet the needs of the patient.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects approximately 15% of the US population and is associated with significant cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. In this article, the authors define CKD staging, review new hypertension and diabetic guidelines for CKD patients, and discuss major trials for new potential therapies in CKD, particularly diabetic kidney disease. They also provide practical guidance for primary care physicians to diagnose CKD and implement these agents early in the disease course to prevent the progression of disease and reduce the morbidity and mortality of this vulnerable population.

The thoracic spine is a common area of focus in osteopathic manipulative medicine for a variety of conditions. Thoracic spine somatic dysfunction diagnosis is achieved by palpating for asymmetry at the tips of the transverse processes. This authors examine the relationship between osteopathic palpation and ultrasonographic measurements of the thoracic spine by creating a study design that utilizes interexaminer agreement and correlation.

Oral isotretinoin, a systemic retinoid and a vitamin A derivative, has been widely utilized to treat acne in both adult and pediatric populations. It is important to raise awareness of the potential side effects of isotretinoin to enable informed treatment decisions before beginning an isotretinoin regimen. This article aims to describe that isotretinoin, given at various doses and durations, has been associated with growth plate abnormalities, which can lead to premature epiphyseal closure.