Introduction Frozen shoulder is a disabling and sometimes severely painful condition that is commonly managed in the primary care setting. True frozen shoulder has a protracted natural history that usually ends in resolution. In this article we consider how to diagnose frozen shoulder and how to distinguish it from other painful shoulder conditions. We also look at the current aetiological theories and the effectiveness of conservative and operative management. We reviewed the current literature on this topic and discussed papers of historical interest with consultants in our department. We have also made reference to key papers cited in Clinical Evidence (http://www.clinicalevidence.com/).

INTRODUCTION: Anterior dislocation of the shoulder is commonly seen in accident and emergency (A&E) and trauma clinics. In this article, we review the existing literature on the injury and the recent trends in management. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We have discussed this condition with our colleagues and performed a Medline search (‘anterior shoulder dislocation’) of the relevant papers. We also describe key historical publications and recent developments regarding immobilisation of the joint. RESULTS: Management decisions regarding this condition continue to vary between units, especially for recurrent and posterior dislocation. This paper lays some emphasis on the choice of analgesic agent when attempting shoulder reduction in the A&E setting. A summary of the data from our own department has provided a graphical representation of the classical age and sex distribution for this condition. CONCLUSIONS: Shoulder dislocation is a common injury. Delays in diagnosis remain the single biggest obstacle to optimum results in this group of patients. A significant proportion will require eventual surgery and up to a third of these patients will go on to develop long-term shoulder arthritis. Even patients who have experienced a single episode of dislocation may go on to develop long-term sequelae.

INTRODUCTION: In this article we look at the aetiology of plantar fasciitis, the other common differentials for heel pain and the evidence available to support each of the major management options. We also review the literature and discuss the condition. METHODS: A literature search was performed using PubMed and MEDLINE®. The following keywords were used, singly or in combination: ‘plantar fasciitis’, ‘plantar heel pain’, ‘heel spur’. To maximise the search, backward chaining of reference lists from retrieved papers was also undertaken. FINDINGS: Plantar fasciitis is a common and often disabling condition. Because the natural history of plantar fasciitis is not understood, it is difficult to distinguish between those patients who recover spontaneously and those who respond to formal treatment. Surgical release of the plantar fascia is effective in the small proportion of patients who do not respond to conservative measures. New techniques such as endoscopic plantar release and extracorporeal shockwave therapy may have a role but the limited availability of equipment and skills means that most patients will continue to be treated by more traditional techniques.

Cubital tunnel syndrome is the second most common peripheral nerve entrapment syndrome in the human body. It is the cause of considerable pain and disability for patients. When appropriately diagnosed, this condition may be treated by both conservative and operative means. In this review, the current thinking on this important and common condition is discussed The recent literature on cubital tunnel syndrome was reviewed, and key papers on upper limb and hand surgery were discussed with colleagues.

Adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) has now been described as a sequela to such diverse conditions as burns, amniotic fluid embolism, acute pancreatitis, trauma, sepsis and damage as a result of elective surgery in general. Patients with ARDS require immediate intubation, with the average patient now being ventilated for between 8 and 11 days. While the acute management of ARDS is conducted by the critical care team, almost any surgical patient can be affected by the condition and we believe that it is important that a broader spectrum of hospital doctors gain an understanding of the nature of the pathology and its current treatment.