Allergic reactions 05/03/2006
Allergic reactions are sensitivities to a specific substance, called an allergen , that is contacted through the skin, inhaled into the lungs, swallowed, or injected.
Considerations: Allergic reactions are common. In fact, the immune response that causes an allergic reaction is similar to that which causes hayfever. Most reactions happen soon after contact with an allergen. Many allergic reactions are mild and can be treated at home, while others can be severe and life-threatening.
Amputation - traumatic 08/03/2004
Traumatic amputation is the loss of a body part -- usually a finger, toe, arm, or leg-- that occurs as the result of an accident or trauma.
Alternative Names: Loss of a body part
Considerations: If an accident or trauma results in complete amputation (the body part is totally severed), the part sometimes can be reattached, especially when proper care is taken of the severed part and stump. In a partial amputation, some soft-tissue connection remains.
Animal bites 04/08/2005
An animal bite can result in a break in the skin, a bruise, or a puncture wound.
Alternative Names: Bites - animals
Considerations: If the bite is a puncture wound, it has a greater chance of becoming infected. Rabies is a rare, but potentially fatal, disease transmitted by the saliva of a rabid animal. If you believe an animal may be rabid, notify the proper authorities. DON'T go near an animal that may be rabid. Examples include a raccoon who is active during the day, a stray pet, an animal that is acting strangely, or one who bites unprovoked.
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury 10/27/2004
An anterior cruciate ligament injury is extreme stretching or tearing of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the knee. A tear may be partial or complete.
Alternative Names: Cruciate ligament injury - anterior; ACL injury; Knee injury - anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
Considerations: The knee is essentially a modified hinge joint located where the end of the femur (thigh bone) meets the top of the tibia (shin bone).
Anterior knee pain 10/27/2004
Anterior knee pain occurs at the front of the knee and is caused by softening of the cartilage or misalignment of the patellofemoral joint (where the kneecap connects with the thigh bone).
Alternative Names: Runner's knee
Considerations: The health care provider will perform a physical examination of the knee to confirm and assess the pain. Tests that may be performed to rule out possible structural damage to the knee or connective tissue include the following: Joint X-ray Joint CT scan MRI scan of the knee
Causes: The most common cause of runner's knee is pronation and lateral (away from the middle) pulling of the patella.
