Modified Salter's innominate osteotomy

Twenty paediatric patients with congenital dislocation of the hip were treated with a modification of the classic technique of Salter's osteotomy. Along with open reduction and femoral shortening osteotomy, the resected femoral segment, which measured 10-40 mm in width (mean 16 mm), was used to stabilize the Salter's osteotomy. The patients were aged between 2 and 9 years (mean 3.8 years). After a mean follow-up of 16 months (range 6-60 months) all patients had full bone healing and complete incorporation of femoral bone graft with the acetabulum. No patient had re-dislocation, subluxation or displacement of the graft.

Cervical spinal injuries caused by collision of cars with camels

We report 16 patients who sustained spinal injuries by collision of their cars with camels. Out of the 16 patients, 10 had severe spinal injuries with neurological deficits. The pattern of injury, possible mechanism of injury and recommendations for avoiding these severe injuries are suggested.

Ulnar collateral ligament injury in the throwing athlete: evaluation with saline-enhanced MR arthrography

PURPOSE

To determine whether magnetic resonance (MR) arthrography of the elbow can demonstrate precisely an ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) abnormality in the throwing athlete.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty college-level and professional throwing athletes (age range, 18-40 years) underwent saline-enhanced MR arthrography of their injured elbows. MR findings were compared with the surgical findings.

RESULTS

Saline-enhanced MR arthrography was positive in 24 of 26 individuals with UCL tear confirmed at the time of surgery. Eighteen (95%) of 19 complete UCL tears and six (86%) of seven partial UCL tears were diagnosed with MR arthrography. Two false-negative findings and no false-positive findings were obtained.

CONCLUSION

Saline-enhanced MR arthrography of the elbow is a new application of a previously described technique used in the shoulder. It is useful for demonstration of subtle and gross UCL abnormalities in the throwing athlete.

Free fibular graft still has a place in the treatment of bone defects

We report on 27 patients illustrating the use of non-vascularized single fibular strut graft, augmented with a corticocancellous bone graft to bridge bone defects. The indications were varied and included infection, fracture with bone loss, non-union, bone tumour, bone cyst and congenital pseudarthrosis. Primary union was achieved in 92 per cent. Stress fracture occurred in 26 per cent and no significant fibular graft hypertrophy occurred. The aim of this paper is to show that the non-vascularized single fibular graft, if augmented with corticocancellous bone graft along its whole length, is a simple procedure that is still valid to bridge bone defects.