[84 fractures of the lower end of the tibia in adults. Attempt at a classification]. / Etude de 84 fractures du pilon tibial de l'adulte. Essai de classification.

Eighty-four articular fractures of the lower end of the tibia were reviewed. One third were compound and three out of four were comminuted. Seventy-three cases were treated by internal fixation. The results were satisfactory in about half of the cases. In eight severe sepsis was found and had to be treated by arthrodesis. In 80 cases reviewed, a satisfactory reduction was obtained in only 52 cases. A classification into three types is proposed.

[A review of 86 fractures of the lower end of the femur treated by internal fixation using A.O. blade-plates (author's transl)]. / Etude critique et résultats de 86 fractures de l'extrémité inférieure du fémur traitées par lame plaque monobloc.

The authors have treated 86 fractures of the lower end of the femur by internal fixation with an A.O. blade-plate. An adequate follow up was made in 71 cases. A classification of the fractures is given. Half of the fractures were either complex or involved the joint. The technique that was used is described. The authors consider that an immediate cancellous autogenous bone graft is worthwhile. 8 cases of non-union, 7 stiff knees and 31 malunions were seen; 70 per cent of cases achieved satisfactory function.

[Extensive osteolysis secondary to the implantation of thread in bone (author's transl)]. / Réaction ostéolytique tardive massive autour de fils trans-osseux.

The authors have treated a severe strain of the knee in which the anterior cruciate ligament was reinserted using a Dacron thread driven through a tunnel in the upper end of the tibia. 7 years later a lytic bone lesion had to be grafted in which remnants of the Dacron were found. The role of low grade infection or intolerance to foreign material is discussed.

[Interest of prolonged peridural anaesthesia in the treatment of thoracic injuries (author's transl)]. / Intérêt de l'analgésie péridurale prolongée dans le traitement des volets thoraciques. A propos de 29 observations.

Prolonged peridural analgesia relieves the pain and thanks to immediate return of ventilatory function avoids most complications of poor prognosis in mobile sternum. After a historical and pharmacological survey, the authors describe a standard technic, the course and the necessary supervision. The study of 29 cases of mobile sternum of variable gravity, treated in this way, permitted the authors to determine the indications and contra-indications and the role of associated treatments: physiotherapy, surgical fixation, respiratory assistance. The rare failures may benefit from another therapeutic method.