Appropriate education of patients regarding the nature of the illness, lifestyle modifications to avoid aggravating activities and appropriate use of analgesics are critical in effective management.

Some recent advances affect the practice of general orthopaedics, while others may be more specific to subspecialty practice, such as refinements of surgical techniques.

Management of basal thumb arthritis is dependent on both the clinical stage of the disease and patient expectations and demands.

Management of acute Achilles tendon rupture has evolved, with increasing evidence that non-operative management is appropriate providing patients participate in a functional rehabilitation protocol.

Pre-operative education and exercise, termed prehabilitation, has an important role in optimising patient outcomes following hip and knee arthroplasty.

Characterising the general practice response to the COVID-19 pandemic is important for ongoing policy planning.

Prognostic uncertainty delays discussions and leads to unnecessary treatments for older patients who are dying.

Treatment of central low back pain is difficult given the numerous treatment options available.

Readers express their opinions on published articles and topics of interest.

Some pre-existing eye conditions, such as diabetic retinopathy, can be exacerbated during pregnancy, while other conditions manifest for the first time.

A man aged 70 years was referred to a renal clinic by his general practitioner for evaluation of a decline in his renal function.

A Caucasian woman aged 65 years presented with painful mouth ulcers, conjunctivitis and a new blistering eruption on the central chest and forearm 10 days after commencing topical imiquimod 5% cream.

Readers express their opinions on published articles and topics of interest.

This clinical challenge is based on this month’s Focus articles. To complete this activity, go to the RACGP website.

This review aims to bring some clarity to the case fatality rates of SARS-CoV-2 infection and SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia in the paediatric population.