Resection of the femoral neck: a new technique for the treatment of mallory type I intraoperative femoral fracture during total hip arthroplasty.

Intraoperative femoral fracture is a common complication during cementless total hip arthroplasty (THA). Cerclage wiring has been used for this type of fractures to attain intraoperative stability of the femoral stem. We designed a new technique to treat Mallory type 1 intraoperative femoral fractures. We excised fractured femoral neck fragment and without additional fixation and lightly tapped down the femoral stem to obtain a tight contact to the femoral cortex at the subtrochanteric level. In this case series, we described this technique and reported its outcomes. From January 2015 to December 2017, 600 cementless THAs (557 patients) were done with use of a proximally coated tapered stem design at our department. Among the 600 THAs, Mallory type 1 intraoperative femoral fracture occurred in 8 hips (8 patients), and all of them were treated with the excision of the fractured femoral neck. Mean age of the 8 patients was 58.1 years (range, 30.4 to 81.3 years) at the time of surgery. We report the results of this new technique at postoperative 2 to 5 years (mean, 3.4 years). All stems were placed in the neutral position. There was no revision and no stem showed any evidence of subsidence or loosening during the follow-up. The mean Harris hip score was 85.9 points at the latest follow-up. We recommend to use the femoral neck excision technique for the treatment of Mallory type 1 intraoperative femoral fractures.

The change of bone mineral density and bone metabolism after gastrectomy for gastric cancer: a meta-analysis.

Bone mineral density (BMD) is significantly decreased after gastrectomy in patients with gastric cancer. Calcium malabsorption, secondary hyperparathyroidism, and dominant bone resorption appear to contribute to bone loss in these patients. Patients should undergo early surveillance and nutritional or pharmacologic intensive interventions for bone health. PURPOSE: Survivorship care, including bone health, has become an important issue in gastric cancer. We performed a meta-analysis of the available observational studies to determine whether and how osteoporosis risk is increased after gastrectomy in patients with gastric cancer. METHODS: A total of 1204 patients (802 men) from 19 cohort studies were included. We evaluated the prevalence of osteoporosis in postgastrectomy patients, comparing the incidence according to the type of gastrectomy and sex. Additionally, we evaluated changes in bone mineral density (BMD) and bone metabolism-related markers pre- to postoperatively and between patients who underwent gastrectomy and matched controls. Proportion meta-analysis was performed and pooled odds ratios (ORs) were calculated. RESULTS: The pooled incidence estimate was 36% [95% confidence interval (CI), 32-40]. The incidence of osteoporosis was significantly higher in women than in men (OR = 1.90, p < 0.001) but was similar between partial and total gastrectomy groups (OR = 0.983, p = 0.939). BMD was significantly decreased, and calcium, phosphorous, and parathyroid hormone levels were significantly increased in patients after gastrectomy compared to those before gastrectomy. BMD and calcium and 25OH-vitamin D levels were significantly decreased, and parathyroid hormone and 1,25OH-vitamin D levels were significantly increased in the gastrectomy group compared to that in the control group. CONCLUSION: We found that BMD is significantly decreased after gastrectomy in patients with gastric cancer. Vitamin D deficiency and secondary hyperparathyroidism are suggested to be common mechanism underlying BMD impairment. After resection, patients should undergo long-term nutritional and bone health surveillance, in addition to their oncological follow-up.

Atypical subtrochanteric fractures in Korean hip fracture study.

In Korean, atypical subtrochanteric fractures (ASF) were rare. Higher BMI and use of bisphosphonate were significant risk factors of ASF. INTRODUCTION: Recently, ASF have been reported to increase among patients on bisphosphonate. However, the incidence of ASF and the association between ASF and bisphosphonate use have not been well defined in Asian population. Our purposes are (1) to estimate the proportion of ASF among Korean patients with proximal femur fracture and (2) to determine the associated risk factors of ASF in the Korean patients. METHODS: We conducted a multicenter (16 academic hospitals), prospective Korean hip fracture study on hip fracture in a cohort of patients aged 50 years or older from South Korea between July 2014 and May 2016. As a part of Korean hip fracture study, primary analysis examined the proportion of ASF among proximal femur fracture. To identify ASF, according to the definition by ASBMR task force, all radiographs of subtrochanteric fracture were reviewed. Associated risk factors for occurrence of ASF were also evaluated by using multivariable logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Among 1361 patients with proximal femoral fractures due to low-energy trauma, 17 fractures (1.2%) were identified as ASF. Higher BMI and use of bisphosphonate before injury were independent risk factors of ASF. CONCLUSION: In Korean, ASF were rare. Higher BMI and use of bisphosphonate were significant risk factors of ASF.

The effect of tranexamic acid on blood coagulation in total hip replacement arthroplasty: rotational thromboelastographic (ROTEM®) analysis.

We evaluated changes in rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM(®) ) parameters and clinical outcomes in patients undergoing total hip replacement arthroplasty, with concomitant infusions of tranexamic acid and of 6% hydroxyethyl starch 130/0.4. Fifty-five patients were randomly assigned to either the tranexamic acid (n = 29) or the control (n = 26) group. Hydroxyethyl starch was administered in the range of 10-15 ml.kg(-1) during the operation in both groups. In the control group, the clot formation time and maximum clot firmness of APTEM showed significant differences when compared with those of EXTEM at one hour postoperatively, suggestive of fibrinolysis. In the tranexamic acid group, there was no significant difference between each postoperative EXTEM and APTEM parameter. In the tranexamic acid and control group, postoperative blood loss was 308 ml (210-420 [106-745]) and 488 ml (375-620 [170-910], p = 0.002), respectively, and total blood loss was 1168 ml (922-1470 [663-2107]) and 1563 ml (1276-1708 [887-1494], p = 0.003). Haemoglobin concentration was higher in the tranexamic acid group on the second postoperative day (10.5 (9.4-12.1 [7.9-14.0]) vs. 9.6 (8.9-10.5[7.3-16.0]) g.dl(-1) , p = 0.027). In patients undergoing total hip replacement arthroplasty, postoperative fibrinolysis aggravated by hydroxyethyl starch was attenuated by co-administration of 10 mg.kg(-1) tranexamic acid, which may have led to less postoperative blood loss.

Incidence of second hip fracture and compliant use of bisphosphonate.

UNLABELLED: We determined the incidence of second hip fracture and evaluated whether compliant users of bisphosphonate had a lower incidence of second hip fracture after prior hip fracture. INTRODUCTION: Bisphosphonate has been used to prevent osteoporotic fracture and is recommended for the secondary prevention after hip fracture. However, little is known regarding secondary prevention after first hip fracture. Our purpose was to determine the incidence of second hip fracture and to evaluate whether compliant use of bisphosphonate can reduce the risk of second hip fracture. METHODS: Eight hundred twenty-six patients who sustained the first hip fracture from May 2003 to October 2011 were retrospectively evaluated. The incidence of second hip fracture was compared between compliant users of bisphosphonate and nonusers. RESULTS: Seventy-one (8.6 %) patients suffered a second hip fracture at mean 30.0 months (SD 24.6, range 1 to 90 months) after the initial hip fracture. The cumulative incidence of second hip fracture was 5.1 % (42/826) at 2 years and 8.6 % (71/826) at 8 years. The incidence of second hip fracture was 4.2 % (12/283) in compliant users and 10.9 % (59/543) in nonusers (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Compliant use of bisphosphonate is effective in the prevention of second hip fractures.

Bisphosphonate use and increased incidence of subtrochanteric fracture in South Korea: results from the National Claim Registry.

SUMMARY: We evaluated trends in the incidences of typical and atypical hip fracture in relation to bisphosphonate use in Korea from 2006 to 2010, using nationwide data obtained from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA). INTRODUCTION: Recently, atypical hip fractures in the subtrochanteric region have been reported among patients on bisphosphonate. However, the association between atypical hip fracture and bisphosphonate is controversial. We evaluated trends in the incidences of typical and atypical hip fracture in relation to bisphosphonate use in Korea from 2006 to 2010, using nationwide data obtained from the HIRA. METHODS: All new visits or admissions to clinics or hospitals for a typical and atypical hip fractures were recorded nationwide by HIRA using the ICD-10 code classification. Typical and atypical hip fractures were defined as femoral neck/intertrochanteric and subtrochanteric fracture, respectively. Bisphosphonate prescription data were also abstracted from the HIRA database. RESULTS: The absolute number of typical and atypical hip fracture increased during the study period. Although age-adjusted incidence rates of typical hip fractures were stable in men and women, those of atypical hip fractures increased in women. Nationally, the annual numbers of prescriptions of bisphosphonate also increased during the study period. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest a possible causal relationship between bisphosphonate use and the increased incidence of atypical hip fracture in Korea.

Teriparatide, a nonsurgical solution for femoral nonunion? A report of three cases.

We medicated teriparatide in three patients, who had a nonunion of the femur even after the initial surgical intervention. Teriparatide was administered for 3-9 months after a diagnosis of nonunion. A successful union was obtained in all three patients without further surgical intervention, and no adverse events related to the use of teriparatide were observed. Our report showed that teriparatide could be an alternative to surgical intervention in nonunion of the femur.

Persistence with intravenous zoledronate in elderly patients with osteoporosis.

UNLABELLED: The present study evaluates the proportion of patients who had re-infusion of intravenous zoledronate after first administration and identifies the factors that contribute to discontinuation. INTRODUCTION: In terms of persistence, annual administration of zoledronate seems to overcome a shortcoming of oral bisphosphonate. However, little information is available concerning persistence with intravenous zoledronate for osteoporosis in a usual care setting. The aim of this study was to assess the persistence of intravenous zoledronate after first administration and to identify the factors that contribute to its discontinuation. METHODS: A questionnaire survey concerning the second administration of zoledronate was performed on 259 patients, who had been administered with first intravenous zoledronate injection between January 2009 and December 2009, when they visit for second injection. The questionnaire asked whether patients were administered a second zoledronate injection or not, and non-persistent patients were asked why they declined the second infusion. RESULTS: One hundred and ninety-two patients revisited our outpatient clinic a year after first visit, and 94 patients (36.3%, 94/259) agreed to a second injection. Of the 136 patients that completed the questionnaire, 47 refused second administration and requested a change to oral bisphosphonate. Thirty-nine of the 47 patients (83%) stated that post-infusion syndrome was the reason why they refused the second administration. CONCLUSION: Although the effects of annual intravenous zoledronate are guaranteed to last for a year, this study shows that only a third of patients agree to second administration. The factors associated with discontinuation were male gender, adverse effects (especially post-infusion syndrome) and under-explanation of intravenous drug. These findings should be of concern to clinicians and indicate that patients should be informed before the administration.

Transcultural adaptation and testing of psychometric properties of the Korean version of the Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS).

OBJECTIVE: Translation and transcultural adaptation of the Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS LK 2.0) into Korean language was performed, followed by test of psychometric properties. DESIGN: A Korean version of the HOOS was produced according to internationally recommended guidelines, which included forward translation, reconciliation, back translation, harmonization, cognitive debriefing and proof reading. The psychometric properties including reliability and validity were evaluated. The reliability, including the internal consistency and test-retest reliability, was then evaluated in a hip osteoarthritis population (OA group, n=75). The validity, including the convergent validity was assessed comparing HOOS with the Short Form-36 (SF-36) and pain on a visual analogue scale (VAS) scale. Responsiveness was evaluated in a population scheduled for total hip arthroplasty (THA group, n=35). RESULTS: All subscales of the HOOS showed satisfactory internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha>0.7) without floor and ceiling effects. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) spanned from 0.78 to 0.93. In terms of convergent validity, Activity of Daily Living (ADL) subscale showed the strongest correlations with Physical Function (PF) (r=0.801) and Bodily Pain (BP) (r=0.810) in the subscales of SF-36. For responsiveness, all HOOS subscale scores improved significantly (P<0.05) postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: The Korean version of HOOS showed satisfactory internal consistency, test-retest reliability, convergent validity, and responsiveness. This study shows that the HOOS questionnaire developed in West is, with transcultural adaptation, relevant for use among patients in East Asia.

A modified Z-plasty technique for severe tightness of the gluteus maximus.

The majority of reports concern external snapping hips caused by the iliotibial band. Comparatively, little information is available regarding snapping hips caused by a gluteus maximus. Here we show that hip problems caused by a tight gluteus maximus can be treated using a modified Z-plasty technique. Fourteen hips in seven patients were diagnosed as snapping hips caused by a tight gluteus maximus. The main functional impairment is that when the hips were flexed, legs were abducted widely and could not be adducted. All had functional impairments irresponsive to conservative treatments besides snapping, whether painful or not, and all patients underwent surgery using a modified Z-plasty technique on the iliotibial band. All patients were followed up and the mean follow-up was 7 years. All patients had complete resolution of functional impairments, snapping, and pain after surgery. No patient needed revision surgery, and there were no complications, such as, abductor weakness, or irritation over the greater trochanter. We suggest that the intrinsic tendon contracture can cause serious functional impairment in patients with snapping due to a tight gluteus maximus. In this context, a modified Z-plasty technique offers a good surgical approach.

Effect of zeta potential on the performance of a ring-type electroosmotic mixer.

In order to achieve faster mixing, a new type of electrokinetic mixer with a T-type channel is introduced. The proposed mixer takes two fluids from different inlets and combines them into a single channel. The fluids then enter a mixing chamber with different inner and outer radii. Four microelectrodes are positioned on the outer wall of the mixing chamber. The electric potentials on the four microelectrodes are sinusoidal with respect to time and have various maximum voltages, zeta potentials and frequency values. The working fluid is water and each inlet has a different initial concentration values. The incompressible Navier-Stokes equation is solved in the channel, with a slip boundary condition on the inner and outer walls of the mixing chamber. The convection-diffusion equation is used to describe the concentration of the dissolved substances in the fluid. The pressure, concentration and flow fields in the channel are calculated and the results are graphically depicted for various flow and electric conditions.

A focused update on preventing ceramic fractures in hip arthroplasty: is the 'cup' half full?

Ceramic bearings have several desirable properties, such as resistance to wear, hardness, and biocompatibility, that favour it as an articulating surface in hip arthroplasty. However, ceramic fracture remains a concern. We have reviewed the contemporary literature, addressing the factors that can influence the incidence of ceramic bearing surface fracture. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:897-901.

Validity of the intra-operative measurement of stem anteversion and factors for the erroneous estimation in cementless total hip arthroplasty using postero-lateral approach.

BACKGROUND: Intra-operative estimation of stem anteversion in total hip arthroplasty (THA) using postero-lateral approach is made by the surgeon's visual assessment, using the tibia as a guide, with the assumption that tibial axis is vertical to the trans-epicondylar axis. However, the accuracy of the intra-operative estimation has rarely been verified with postoperative CT-scans, with controversies regarding these measurements particularly in case of knee osteoarthritis. Therefore we performed a prospective study to: (1) determine the accuracy of the intra-operative measurement and (2) investigate factors affecting the discrepancy between the surgeon's estimation and the real stem anteversion. HYPOTHESIS: Intra-operative estimation of stem anteversion correlated with the real stem anteversion on CT-scan. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixty-seven THAs using cementless straight stems (65 patients) without ipsilateral total knee arthroplasty were prospectively evaluated to compare the intra-operative measurement of stem anteversion with the real stem anteversion on computed tomography (CT) scans. There were 33 men and 34 women with a mean age of 59.7years (range, 27-84years) at the time of surgery. Age, tibia plateau angle, native femoral anteversion, femoro-tibial angle, body mass index, operative site, gender, coronal and sagittal tilt of the stem, stem type, ipsilateral knee osteoarthritis, and preoperative diagnosis were analyzed to evaluate the factors affecting the discrepancy between the intra-operative and CT measurements. RESULTS: The intra-operative estimation (mean, 21.5°±8.5°; range, 5.0°-39.0°) was greater than the CT measurement (mean, 19.5°±8.7°; range, 4.5°-38.5°) by 2.0°. The mean absolute value of discrepancy was 4.5°. The correlation coefficient between intra-operative and CT measurements was 0.837. The femoro-tibial angle was associated with the discrepancy between the two measurements. In the presence of genu varum deformity, the intra-operative measurement underestimated the stem anteversion. DISCUSSION: Although intra-operative estimation of stem anteversion was slightly greater than the real stem anteversion, there was an excellent correlation between the two. The femoro-tibial angle should be considered to optimize the stem anteversion during cementless THA using postero-lateral approach. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, prospective case control study.

Mid-term results of the BIOLOX delta ceramic-on-ceramic total hip arthroplasty.

AIMS: We conducted a prospective study of a delta ceramic total hip arthroplasty (THA) to determine the rate of ceramic fracture, to characterise post-operative noise, and to evaluate the mid-term results and survivorship. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between March 2009 and March 2011, 274 patients (310 hips) underwent cementless THA using a delta ceramic femoral head and liner. At each follow-up, clinical and radiological outcomes were recorded. A Kaplan-Meier analysis was undertaken to estimate survival. RESULTS: Four patients (four hips) died and 18 patients (20 hips) were lost to follow-up within five years. The remaining 252 patients (286 hips) were followed for a mean of 66.5 months (60 to 84). There were 144 men (166 hips) and 108 women (120 hips) with a mean age of 49.7 years (16 to 83) at surgery. The mean pre-operative Harris Hip Score of 47.1 points improved to 93.8 points at final follow-up. Six patients reported squeaking in seven hips; however, none were audible. Radiolucent lines involving Gruen zones one and/or seven were seen in 52 hips (18.2%). No hip had detectable wear, focal osteolysis or signs of loosening. One hip was revised because of fracture of the ceramic liner, which occurred due to an undetected malseating of the ceramic liner at the time of surgery. One hip was revised for a periprosthetic fracture of the femur, and one hip was treated for periprosthetic joint infection. The six-year survivorship with re-operation for any reason as the endpoint was 99.0% (95% confidence interval 97.8% to 100%). DISCUSSION: The rate of delta ceramic fracture was 0.3% (one of 286). While ceramic head fracture was dominant in previous ceramic-on-ceramic THA, fracture of the delta ceramic liner due to malseating is a concern. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:741-8.

Total hip arthroplasty using a monobloc cementless femoral stem for patients with childhood Perthes' disease.

AIMS: Modular or custom-made femoral components have been preferred for total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with a history of Perthes' disease because of the distortion in the anatomy of the proximal femur. However, it has not been established whether a monobloc cementless stem will fit the distorted proximal femur or whether the results of the procedure are satisfactory in this group of patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We reviewed 68 consecutive patients who had undergone THA for childhood Perthes' disease between June 2003 and December 2008. There were 35 men and 33 women with a mean age of 48 years (16 to 73) at the time of index arthroplasty. Their mean body mass index was 24.4 (18.3 to 32.9). Of the 68 hips, 32 were classified as Stulberg class III and 36 as class IV. The mean pre-operative shortening of the affected leg was 17.2 mm (5 to 34). The minimum follow-up was five years (mean 8.5 years; 5.2 to 10). RESULTS: An intra-operative calcar fracture occurred in eight hips (11.8%) and was successfully treated by cerclage wiring. The mean stem version was 14.6° (-2.3 to 30; standard deviation (sd) 7.3). The mean acetabular component abduction was 40.2° (23.7 to 56.0; sd 6.5) and the mean anteversion 28.3° (6.4 to 43.0; sd 7.6), respectively. The mean follow-up was 8.5 years (5.2 to 10). No dislocations occurred and no hips were revised during the course of the study. At final follow-up, the mean Harris Hip Score was 91 points (59 to 100) and the mean University of California, Los Angeles activity score was 3.2 (2 to 8). CONCLUSION: Monobloc cementless stems reliably restore the anatomy in Perthes' disease at THA without the need for custom-made or modular implants. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:440-444.

Applicability of carcinoembryonic antigen-specific monoclonal antibodies to radioimmunoguided surgery for human colorectal carcinoma.

Two carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA)-specific monoclonal antibodies (MAbs), PR1A3 and T84.66, were tested to determine whether they could accurately localize colorectal carcinoma and therefore be applicable in radioimmunoguided surgery (RIGS). Twenty-one tumors by three human colorectal carcinoma cell lines with various levels of CEA expression (KM-12c, C75, and Clone A) were successfully implanted in the intra-abdominal organs of 15 nude mice. The tumors was localized using a portable radioisotope detector (Neoprobe 1000) 48 h after injection of radiolabeled MAbs (10 mCi/mouse) when the precordial counts were <20 per 2 s. Histopathological identification of radiolabeled MAbs were also performed using immunohistochemistry and microautoradiography. Radioactivity counted on a portable radioisotope detector correlated well with that on a gamma counter. The distribution in the blood was significantly greater than in other organs (P < 0.001). Localization indices of the tumor in various organs was from 1.1 to 8.5 in the PR1A3-pretreated mice and 3.0 to 8.6 in the T84.66-pretreated mice. Silver grains and immune staining were distributed in the tumor cells of the PR1A3-pretreated mice, whereas they were in the necrotic debris as well as the tumor cells of the T84.66-pretreated mice. There were significantly more silver grains in the liver in the T84.66-pretreated mice than in the PR1A3-pretreated mice (P = 0.004). The sensitivity and specificity of tumor localization by RIGS were 71.4 and 91.4% in the PR1A3-pretreated mice, whereas they were 60 and 76% in the T84.66-pretreated mice. A study using specific anti-CEA MAbs suggested PR1A3 as an efficient immune probe for RIGS in colorectal carcinoma with a low rate of false-positive detection.

Contemporary total hip arthroplasty with and without cement in patients with osteonecrosis of the femoral head.

BACKGROUND: The rate of failure of primary total hip arthroplasty in patients with osteonecrosis of the femoral head is higher than that in patients with osteoarthritis. The purpose of this prospective study was to document the clinical and radiographic results of arthroplasty with so-called third-generation cementing and the results of second-generation cementless total hip arthroplasty in ninety-eight consecutive patients with osteonecrosis of the femoral head. METHODS: Fifty patients who had had simultaneous bilateral total hip arthroplasty with a cemented stem in one hip and a cementless stem in the other and forty-eight patients who had had a unilateral total hip arthroplasty with a cementless stem were included in the study. A cementless acetabular component was used in all hips. The presumed cause of the osteonecrosis was ethanol abuse in fifty-seven patients, unknown in twenty-seven, fracture of the femoral neck in nine, and steroid use in five. There were eighty men and eighteen women. The mean age at the time of the arthroplasty was 47.3 years (range, twenty-six to fifty-eight years). Clinical and radiographic evaluations were performed preoperatively; at six weeks; at three, six, and twelve months; and yearly thereafter. The average duration of follow-up was 9.3 years. RESULTS: The average Harris hip scores in the group treated with unilateral arthroplasty (97 points) and the group treated with bilateral arthroplasty (94 points) were similar at the time of final follow-up. They were also similar between the group treated with cement (mean, 96 points) and that treated without cement (95 points). No component had aseptic loosening in either group. In one hip, a cemented femoral stem (2%) and a cementless cup were revised because of infection. Two cementless stems (2%) were revised because of fracture of the proximal part of the femur with loosening of the stem. Annual wear of the polyethylene liner averaged 0.22 mm in the group treated with cement (a zirconia head) and 0.14 mm in the group treated without cement (a cobalt-chromium head). The prevalence of osteolysis in zones 1 and 7 of the femur was 16% in the group treated with cement and 24% in the group treated without cement. CONCLUSIONS: Advancements in surgical technique and better designs have greatly improved the long-term survival of cemented and cementless implants in young patients with osteonecrosis of the femoral head. Although there was no aseptic loosening of the components, a high rate of linear wear of the polyethylene liner and a high rate of osteolysis in these high-risk young patients remain challenging problems.

Quantifying the extent of osteonecrosis of the femoral head. A new method using MRI.

In a randomised trial comparing core decompression with conservative treatment we tested the hypothesis that the extent of necrosis at the initial MRI predicts the subsequent risk of collapse of the femoral head. After the initial clinical evaluation, including plain radiography and MRI, 37 hips with early-stage osteonecrosis (ON) in 33 patients were randomly assigned to a core-decompression group or a conservatively-treated group. All were followed regularly by clinical evaluation, plain radiography and MRI at intervals of three months. The extent of ON was estimated on the basis of abnormal signal intensity in the weight-bearing portion of the femoral head as determined from a combination of coronal and sagittal MRIs. The arc of the necrotic portion in the mid-coronal image (A) and that in the mid-sagittal image (B) were used to quantify the extent of necrosis by the formula: (A/180) x (B/180) x 100. There was a strong correlation between this index and the risk of collapse before and after adjustment for age, gender, stage and treatment group. We conclude that the extent of the necrotic portion ascertain by this method is a major predictor of future collapse. We propose a systematic method of determining the index of the necrotic portion which may be clinically useful in the management of early-stage ON of the femoral head.

Supracondylar osteotomy with Ilizarov fixation for elbow deformities in adults.

Stable fixation after a corrective supracondylar osteotomy in adults is difficult because of the irregularity of the area of bony contact, displacement of the fragments, the predominance of cortical bone, and the need for early mobilisation. We have used the Ilizarov apparatus for fixation in 15 patients who were treated by complex osteotomies with displacement of fragments for cubitus varus or valgus. Most patients with cubitus varus required medial displacement with rotation of the distal fragment. Those with cubitus valgus required lateral shift of the distal fragment to reduce the medial prominence of the elbow that would otherwise result. All osteotomies united within the expected time without loss of correction, despite early mobilisation. Complications related to the fixation were few and had resolved at the long-term follow-up.