Breast and endocrine surgery mnemonic

Features of hyperparathyroidism

The mnemonic

Bones, stones, groans and psychic moans

What each word stands for

  • BonesBone pain, osteitis fibrosa cystica, fractures
  • StonesRenal calculi and nephrocalcinosis
  • GroansAbdominal symptoms: constipation, peptic ulcer, pancreatitis
  • Psychic moansDepression, fatigue and cognitive changes

Why it matters clinically

Prompts a search for hypercalcaemia and a parathyroid adenoma in patients with unexplained stones or bone disease.

Where it stops being reliable

Many patients today are picked up asymptomatic on routine calcium testing.

Teaching aid, still awaiting independent review. Confirm facts in a standard source.

More mnemonics

Common questions

What is the Breast and endocrine surgery mnemonic?

Bones, stones, groans and psychic moans. It helps you recall: Features of hyperparathyroidism.

What does "Bones" stand for?

Bone pain, osteitis fibrosa cystica, fractures

What does "Stones" stand for?

Renal calculi and nephrocalcinosis

What does "Groans" stand for?

Abdominal symptoms: constipation, peptic ulcer, pancreatitis

What are all the parts of the Bones, stones, groans and psychic moans mnemonic?

Bones: Bone pain, osteitis fibrosa cystica, fractures; Stones: Renal calculi and nephrocalcinosis; Groans: Abdominal symptoms: constipation, peptic ulcer, pancreatitis; Psychic moans: Depression, fatigue and cognitive changes.

Which topic does this mnemonic belong to?

It belongs to Breast and endocrine surgery in General Surgery.

Where does this mnemonic stop being reliable?

Many patients today are picked up asymptomatic on routine calcium testing.

How is this useful clinically?

Prompts a search for hypercalcaemia and a parathyroid adenoma in patients with unexplained stones or bone disease.

How do I make this mnemonic stick?

Say it aloud, write it from memory tomorrow, then again in a week. Then test yourself on a General Surgery question about Breast and endocrine surgery.

Is this a standard mnemonic?

It is a teaching aid written or adapted by our team. Some resemble ones students share informally. Check any fact that matters in a standard source.