Intrapelvic calcifications are fairly common findings on AP lumbar views. This diagram lists some of the more frequent causes of calcification.
Phleboliths are very common and are a calcified thrombus within a vein. Most adults will have a few in the pelvic basin.
Arterial calcification in the large arteries such as the aorta and common iliac vessels represents the most common form of arterial calcification atherosclerosis.
Subcutaneous and intramuscular injections can cause fat necrosis which will also calcify, often seen in the gluteal region.
Peripheral mesenteric lymph nodes commonly will calcify after being involved in a previous infection.
Calcification can also be found in the prostate caused by renal calculi.
The vas deferens may calcify, but is usually found only in men with long standing diabetes.
Calcification is often found in uterine fibroids.
Calcification is frequently present in benign and malignant ovarian tumors.
Most calcifications found in the pelvis are relatively benign, however, if there is a concern that the calcification may involve a neoplastic process, a second opinion should be obtained. Many patients do not have significant clinical symptoms early on, therefore, the AP lumbar view may be the initial study that reveals the truly significant pathological process.
For chiropractors practicing today, Dr. Warren Hammer’s legacy is particularly visible in several areas that have become familiar components of modern musculoskeletal care: his early work with the Graston Technique and instrument-assisted soft-tissue mobilization; his extensive writing and teaching on functional soft-tissue examination and treatment; his role in bringing fascial manipulation to U.S. clinicians; and his decades spent educating chiropractors and other health professionals.
Financial pressure, enrollment declines and institutional challenges are emerging at several U.S. chiropractic colleges. Life Chiropractic College West's and Life University's struggles may be the most talked about but appear to be part of a larger story. And with recent USDE requirements threatening to hamstring federal student financing for DC degree programs, chiropractic education is facing questions for which it has no immediate answers.
The term standard of care is a legal term and a medical concept. There is no single, universally recognized standard of care document or authoritative reference. The medical concept defines what practitioners should do in practice. The legal term used determines whether a practitioner failed to meet that expectation. This article examines the standard of care for the doctor of chiropractic.
