Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

The term Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease can be broken down into gastro, which means of or relating to the stomach, oesophageal meaning relating to the oesophagus, and reflux which means to flow back. It is a common condition in which the stomach contents leak backwards from the stomach into the oesophagus, which is the pipe attaching […]

The Human Nose

The Human Nose

The human nose is a sense organ which allows us to smell. Another word for smell is olfaction.  The olfactory receptors in the nose help to identify food, mates, predators, and provides both sensual pleasure in the odour of flowers and perfume, as well as warnings of danger, for example spoiled food, fire or chemical […]

Pulmonary Embolism

Overview An emboli or an embolus is a foreign object, quantity of gas or air, a bit of tissue or tumour or a blood clot that travels through the circulatory system to another location. A pulmonary embolism is a blood clot in the lung. A blood clot or thrombus forms in one of the body’s […]

The Human Mouth

The mouth is the beginning of the digestive tract, otherwise known as the alimentary canal.  The mouth has a number of very important functions involved in the digestion of food, breathing, communication and the immune system. The boundaries of the mouth are formed by the lips, cheeks, floor of the mouth, and palate. The mouth […]

Psychiatric Disorders

Image of the Human Brain

Psychiatry is the study and medical treatment of mental health disorders, of which there are a wide spectrum.  It integrates biological, social and psychological aspects of mental health to provide medical care for a wide range of symptoms. When considering an Independent Medical Examination, psychiatric problems may be considered as a stand alone issue for […]

Spinal Conditions

Image of the Spine

There are many different spinal conditions. Spondylosis is a common degenerative condition of the spine that is caused by age related changes in the intervertebral disks. It can cause pressure on the nerve roots with subsequent sensory and, or motor disturbances, causing pain and numbness.       Condition Description Annular Tear An annular tear describes a hole or […]

Paediatric Hip Conditions

Image of The Hip

Anatomy and Development of the Hip The hip joint is the connection between the head of the femur and the part of the pelvic bone known as the acetabulum.  It is a ball and socket joint, allowing for a large range of motion in multiple planes.  The joint is protected by articular cartilage on both […]

The Shoulder

The Shoulder

Anatomy of the Shoulder The shoulder is made up of three bones, the scapula or the shoulder blade, the clavicle or the collar bone and the humerus or the bone in the upper arm. These bones are joined with two joints. These joints are the acromioclavicular (AC) joint and the glenohumeral joint which is the […]

Chondromalacia Patella

The Knee

Chondromalacia literally means softening of the cartilage, and patella means knee cap. Chondromalacia patella means softening of the articular cartilage of the knee cap.  The articular cartilage is the cartilage lining under the knee cap that articulates with the knee joint. Normally, it is smooth and shiny, so that it glides smoothly along the articular […]

Kidney Failure

Kidneys

Kidney failure can be defined as one or both kidneys failing to adequately filter waste and toxins from the blood. Kidney failure is either acute or chronic. Acute kidney failure occurs suddenly, whereas chronic kidney failure develops over a period of time. Kidney failure is also known as renal failure and can be permanent or […]