Injections of Medical Insights

Bone spurs, also known as osteophytes, are smooth and hard bumps of bone that forms at the end of a bone. They are most often found in joints such as knees, hips and hands.  The most common cause of bone spurs is joint damage, typically from diseases such as osteoarthritis. Alternatively, it can also form as a response to an injury, where the body adds extra bone to “fix” the injury.  Bone spurs may cause pain and stiffness in the joint. It can also cause weakness and muscle spasm if the bone spur presses against a nerve. Bone spurs can also break off, becoming a loose body and potentially causing the joint to lock up.  Typically, painkillers and steroids are prescribed to reduce pain and inflammation in the joints. However, surgery may also be used to remove the excess bone from the joint. Sources: https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/what-are-bone-spurs https://footeducation.com/bone-spurs/

  Microsurgery is a discipline in general surgery where procedures are performed on very small structures like the nerves and blood vessels using specialized instruments (under a microscope).  Various specialists use microsurgery such as: otolaryngologists (ear, nose, and throat doctors), ophthalmologists (eye doctors), urologists and gynaecologists and plastic surgeons. Equipment used in microsurgical procedures magnify the operating field, providing precise instrumentation for easier maneuvering under high magnification, and makes it possible for the surgeons to be able to operate on structures that are barely visible to the naked eye. Microsurgical instruments have distinct differences compared to conventional instruments. They are designed to make delicate manipulation of small structures possible and they come with handles large enough to hold securely and comfortably. Sources: https://www.google.com.sg/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2...

  Glioblastoma is an aggressive type of tumour which can occur in the brain or the spinal cord. It is formed from cells called astrocytes, which support nerve cells.  Glioblastoma can cause terrible headaches, seizures and vomiting. However, it is extremely difficult to treat and cure is often not possible.  Treatment often includes surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy as well as different forms of clinical trials. The Netflix series “Lenox Hill” follows some top neurosurgeons as they tackle several cases of glioblastoma, and shows the impact of such a disease. Even after treatment, it is very possible to suffer from yet another glioblastoma in the future. Sources: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/glioblastoma/cdc-20350148 https://www.netflix.com/sg/title/80201728 https://www.aans.org/en/Patients/Neurosurgical-Conditions-and-Treatments/Glioblastoma-Multiforme

  Cleft lip is the opening of the upper lip or palate. It is a facial structure that is a result of under development of the baby. It is one of the most common birth defects but is also associated with many inherited genetic conditions or syndromes.  Usually, cleft lip is easily identifiable at birth. It is easily fixed with a few surgical procedures which leaves minimal scarring on the patient, he/she can proceed to live a normal life. During birth, tissue on the baby’s face fuse together to form a complete upper lip, this occurs 2-3 months into pregnancy. For babies with cleft lip, this fusion does not occur properly, or at all. Sources: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cleft-palate/symptoms-causes/syc-20370985 https://www.google.com.sg/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwjnm5m8u4LwAhUSeisKHRYPDoIQFjAVegQIJhAD&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nhs.uk%2Fconditions%2Fcleft-lip-and-palate%2F&usg=AOvVaw1ezc2D7-BU3s5lapPhlHhH

Hyperlipidemia is a term which refers to abnormally high levels of fat in the blood. The two main types of lipids found in the blood are triglycerides and cholesterol. Hence, hyperlipidemia is otherwise referred to as high cholesterol.  There are two main types of cholesterol, low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and high-density lipoproteins (HDL).  LDL cholesterol builds up in the artery walls, causing atherosclerosis, while HDL cholesterol clears up the amount of LDL. Hyperlipidemia occurs when there is an excess of LDL and insufficient HDL.  Although hyperlipidemia does not have any presenting symptoms, it can result in severe complications. It can often lead to atherosclerosis, which then leads to a series of problems such as strokes or heart attacks.  Lifestyle changes have to be undertaken to manage and prevent the onset of hyperlipidemia. One key method is to consume healthy fats, instead of saturated fats and trans fat. Beyond restricting one's diet, active exerci...

Lyme disease is commonly transmitted by tick bites because more than 50% of ticks are carriers. It can cause a variety of symptoms such as fatigue, arthritis, facial palsy and erythema migrans. Ticks require mammalian blood to survive. Hence, humans and various mammals are the most common prey to Lyme disease. Small rodents are primary reservoirs of Lyme disease. An insect known as the ixodes tick bites these rodents and hence, spreads the disease airborne. Subsequently, the ixodes tick can either bite humans, infecting them, or colonise and lay eggs on a host, continuing the cycle. Ticks pass the pathogen to us through tick saliva. Tick saliva contains an anesthetic, rendering the bites unnoticeable. It also has an anticoagulant, keeping the blood from clotting. Finally, it also has an immunosuppressive substance, this makes the host unable to fight off the infection.  Sources: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TtBb_pBZUaQ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseas...

  People with the disorder pica compulsively eat items with no nutritional value. In some cases, these people eat relatively harmless items such as ice. However, there are also instances where these people eat dangerous items such as metal. These can lead to severe complications, such as lead poisoning in the latter case and intestinal blockages.  This disorder is most common in pregnant women and children. It is also seen in persons with intellectual disabilities.  There is no single cause for pica. Pica can be caused due to an underlying deficiency in a nutrient. However, it can also be caused by dieting and malnourishment, where eating non food items is a last resort to feel full.  Sources: https://www.healthline.com/health/pica https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/learn/by-eating-disorder/other/pica https://theswaddle.com/what-is-pica-an-eating-disorder-that-involves-eating-non-food-items/