The dangers of recreational inhalation of nitrous oxide.

Nitrous oxide, also known as 'laughing gas', is one of the most widely used recreational drugs among teenagers in the UK. Copious inhalation of nitrous oxide may increase intra-alveolar pressure, resulting in barotrauma secondary to alveolar rupture. Pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema are common clinical findings in nitrous oxide-associated barotrauma.

Imaging in metatarsalgia.

Metatarsalgia is a common clinical conundrum that requires careful assessment. There are a variety of causes and understanding these can help manage the pain. These causes have different imaging characteristics and require specific imaging.

Imaging the patient with heel pain.

Heel pain is a common presentation in primary care and affects a wide range of the population but predominantly elderly, obese and athletic patients. History and clinical assessment are paramount in the management of this condition but the presentation can confound clinicians, necessitating the use of imaging to confirm or clarify the diagnosis when there is clinical uncertainty. This article illustrates the various conditions producing heel pain to help clinicians determine the appropriate imaging modality to image the common causes of heel pain.