The use of endoprostheses for limb salvage in primary bone tumours is highly specialised. Studies have shown no significant difference in survival, function or quality of life between patients with limb salvage and those with amputation. We have derived a formula for calculating the ongoing costs of limb salvage with an endoprosthesis which is based on actual costs and uses historical data to show the likelihood of further surgery or revision. Comparative data for amputation are also shown. Using current prices, the cost-effectiveness of surgery with an endoprosthesis is clearly demonstrated.
Over 200 high-velocity missile injuries treated in a low-technology environment were audited under the aegis of the International Committee of the Red Cross Hospitals in Afghanistan and Northern Kenya. Femoral fractures were treated either by traction or external fixation using a uniaxial frame. The results showed that patients treated by external fixation remained in hospital longer than those treated on traction. The positional outcome was identical in both groups. In tibial fractures the external fixator was only of extra benefit in those of the lower third when compared with simple plaster slabs unless more complex procedures such as flaps or vascular repair were to be performed. In complex humeral fractures, external fixation resulted in long stays in hospital and a large number of interventions when compared with simple treatment in a sling. We conclude therefore that in an environment where facilities are limited and surgeons have only general experience very careful initial wound excision is the most important factor determining outcome. The application of complex holding techniques was generally inappropriate.
Numerous intravascular bony spicules were found at necropsy in both lungs of an 84-year-old patient who had undergone total hip replacements three and 10 months before death. It is suggested that acetabular grindings enter the damaged venous system at operation and are filtered out by the lungs.
periosteal stripping in the long lower limb bones of thirty children with shortening after poliomyelitis was performed. All have been followed up for five years. A relative increase in length attributable to the periosteal stripping procedure was seen in the majority. The conclusions are that this simple procedure is indicated in minor degrees of limb inequality in growing children, but that the haphazard response precludes any accurate estimation of the final outcome of such a procedure.
1. A series of thirty-two cases of chondromyxoid fibroma is reported. 2. The clinical, radiographic and pathological features are described. 3. The rarity of the tumour and of malignant change is stressed. 4. Excision or block resection is preferred to curettage as a method of treatment, because of the liability to recurrence after curettage. 5. It is suggested that the designation "fibromyxoid chondroma" is more appropriate than the usual designation "chondromyxoid fibroma".
1. Two cases are described in which increased density of the lower femoral epiphysis was due to sarcoma. 2. In one of these, multiple sarcomata were present.
1. In growing rats oestrogen, cortisone and thyroxine in high doses suppress bone formation, and this effect is probably part of a general suppression of body growth. 2. Growth hormone and thyroxine in small doses stimulate both body growth and bone formation. 3. Testosterone has no effect on bone formation. 4. Oestrogen and cortisone suppress bone resorption. The effect of cortisone may be modified in conditions of calcium depletion. 5. Thyroxine appears on the other hand to increase bone resorption. 6. Testosterone has no effect on bone resorption.
A case of synovial sarcoma of the humerus is described. The histological features were of an undifferentiated character and the tumour arose in the foetus.
Fourteen patients with dystrophia myotonica and a post-mortem report of another case are reported. All had radiological or other evidence of abnormalities of the skull. The most constant were a thickened calvarium, hyperostosis interna, small to very small pituitary fossa and extensive sinuses. It is believed that the high incidence of these changes cannot be coincidental and it is held that they should be accepted as some of the variable features of dystrophia myotonica.
