Page 139 - ASOP ROT Study Guide

SUMMARY

After studying section A, we may conclude that backache, although common, consists of a number
of conditions which may be difficult to distinguish from each other. Fortunately mechanical
backache and acute sprains, which are common, usually get better in time and the doctor's role is
in helping to relieve the pain. The clinician must however be vigilant as there are some spinal
problems which do need intervention (for instance surgery). These conditions include disc
prolapse, although it must be emphasized that this condition is very rare.

The ability to tell these similar spinal diseases apart relies heavily on careful examination on the
part of the doctor. In the last few years our understanding has been considerably enhanced by new
imaging techniques including computerized axial tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. As
these techniques allow us to check the accuracy of the diagnosis then the number of poorly
understood clinical problems will diminish and so our ability to treat backache accurately will
improve.

Section B has discussed in very simple terms the conditions which affect the musculoskeletal system
in childhood. It is important to remember that the so called commoner conditions still affect only
the minority of children and that the rare ones are very rare indeed. Birth abnormalities occur only
once or twice per hundred births and acquired abnormalities are even less common.

The section will help you place the conditions of childhood in perspective. Many of the conditions
discussed are not likely to be treated by surgery but many may require temporary or permanent
disability. Nevertheless it is important to have a broad knowledge and awareness of these
conditions.

Section C has dealt, in a very simple way, with a lot of common conditions. Although common, and
thankfully mostly self-limiting, these conditions are not always simple and their treatment is often
very restricted, largely because we do not know what causes them.