Cureus Open Access Journal of Medicine

• Conservative Management of Acute Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture in Recreational Athletes: A Pilot Case Series February 18, 2026
  Background and aim: Surgical anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) remains the standard treatment for acute anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture in highly active individuals but entails surgical risks, prolonged recovery, and incomplete return to sport in some cases. Conservative approaches enhanced with biologics, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or autologous conditioned serum (ACS), have gained […]
• Patients’ Perspectives on Pharmaceutical Care Interventions in a Secondary-Care Hospital in Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional Survey February 18, 2026
  Background Pharmaceutical care aims to optimize medication use and improve patient outcomes through pharmacist-led interventions. Evidence on patients' perspectives on such services remains limited in many hospital settings in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), such as Nigeria. Objective This study aims to assess patients' satisfaction with pharmacists' services, the perceived impact of pharmacist-led interventions, and […]
• Hip Dislocation With Femoral Short Neck in Spondyloepiphyseal Dysplasia Treated by Open Reduction and Valgus Osteotomy: A Case Report February 18, 2026
  Spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita (SEDC) often involves hip deformity and dislocation. We present a case of an eight-year-old boy with bilateral femoral head deformity and hip dislocation treated by open reduction and femoral valgus osteotomy. Surgery was performed via an anterior approach. After removal of obstructive factors, reduction was only maintained at 30° adduction, necessitating valgus […]
• The Impact of Gunshot Wounds on Healthcare Utilization in Trauma Patients: Retrospective Review of Trauma Centers in the United States February 18, 2026
  Background Gunshot wounds (GSW) contribute to poor patient outcomes and increased consumption of healthcare resources. The literature has expanded on the costs of treating patients with firearm injuries. However, further research is needed to understand the implications of GSW on healthcare resource utilization in trauma care. This study aims to compare hospital and post-hospital resource […]
• From Molecular Silence to Lymphoid Blast Phase: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenges in a Young Female Patient With Chronic Myeloid Leukemia February 18, 2026
  Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a triphasic myeloproliferative neoplasm characterized by the breakpoint cluster region-Abelson BCR::ABL1 fusion gene, typically detected by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). We present a case of a 20-year-old female patient who presented with non-specific constitutional symptoms and was diagnosed with CML based upon detection of the Philadelphia (Ph) chromosome […]
• Energy Drink-Related Cardiovascular Presentations in Children and Adolescents: A Narrative Review and Practical Guide for Management February 18, 2026
  Energy drink (ED) consumption has become increasingly common among children and adolescents, raising questions about its possible effects on cardiovascular health. Owing to ongoing physiological development and sensitivity to stimulant ingredients, minors may experience distinct responses to these beverages. This review provides an overview of ED components and discusses their potential influence on cardiovascular function […]
• Ciprofloxacin-Induced Unilateral Tremor and Weakness Mimicking Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Case Report February 18, 2026
  Fluoroquinolones are widely prescribed antibiotics and are generally well-tolerated; however, they are associated with rare but clinically significant neurological adverse effects that may mimic acute cerebrovascular events. We describe the case of a 50-year-old man who developed intermittent unilateral coarse tremors and weakness of the left upper limb approximately two weeks after initiating ciprofloxacin therapy […]
• Steroid-Resistant Immune Thrombocytopenia With Severe Bleeding Successfully Managed Using Eltrombopag and Mycophenolate in a 67-Year-Old Male February 18, 2026
  A 67-year-old man presented with severe mucocutaneous bleeding and profound thrombocytopenia with a platelet count of 6 × 10³ per microliter. Bone marrow examination showed preserved megakaryocytes, and secondary causes were excluded, confirming primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). Despite high-dose intravenous methylprednisolone followed by oral corticosteroids, platelet count remained 8 × 10³ per microliter. Two weeks […]
• Pertussis–SARS-CoV-2 Co-infection in Infants at Mohammed VI University Hospital, Marrakech, Morocco February 18, 2026
  Background: Viral-bacterial co-infections may worsen the clinical course of COVID-19; however, the clinical characteristics of pertussis co-infection with SARS-CoV-2 in infants remain poorly described. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study (from January 2024 to September 2025) at Mohammed VI University Hospital in Marrakech. Infants younger than 24 months with clinical suspicion of pertussis underwent multiplex […]
• Artificial Intelligence Improves Apical Four-Chamber Window Quality in Experienced but Not Novice Users February 18, 2026
  Introduction: The most current point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) machines incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) features to assist users in obtaining cardiac windows. Prior studies have focused on evaluating the helpfulness of AI acquisition assistance for novice users. This study sought to determine the immediate effect of AI assistance on acquisition time and image quality of apical four-chamber […]
• Moving Toward a Near-Total Reduction, Refinement, and Replacement of Live Animal Use in Microvascular Training February 18, 2026
  Simulation training in microsurgery primarily relies on live rat models due to their high-fidelity physiological characteristics, which presents ethical and educational challenges. The increasing emphasis on reducing, replacing, and refining (3Rs) animal use calls for alternative training models that can offer similar educational benefits. We developed a hybrid microvascular training curriculum incorporating non-living models, such […]
• Clinical Spectrum and Outcomes of Acute Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding: A Prospective Comparative Study Between Elderly and Younger Adults February 18, 2026
  Background Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is a common medical emergency with age-related variation in etiology and outcomes. This study prospectively compared the clinical profile, endoscopic findings, and outcomes of UGIB in elderly (>60 years) and non-elderly (≤60 years) patients. Methodology A prospective observational study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan between December […]