Existing classifications of fractures of the head of the humerus are inadequate in terms of interobserver reliability and the predictability of the clinical outcome. From a combined study of 73 fracture specimens in museums and 84 CT-three-dimensional reconstructions in patients, we have devised a classification which appears to be more useful clinically. Common patterns of fracture and a plausible mechanism of injury were observed.

In 3-D most proximal humeral fractures can be organised into five basic types. These correspond in some degree to the Codman/Neer classification, but differ significantly in regard to the more complex patterns of fracture. We observed a logical progression from simple to complex fractures. An interobserver reliability study was carried out which indicated the improved usefulness of this new 3-D concept in providing a common language among clinicians for classifying these injuries. When surgery is indicated, the 3-D concept is also invaluable in guiding the restitution of anatomy through either open or percutaneous means.

We assessed patellofemoral joint function by combining the measurement of maximal isometric extensor torque at the knee with clinical and radiological measurements in order to calculate the patellofemoral contact force. Eighteen volunteers established the normal ranges of results and the reliability of the system. Of the 39 patients with a variety of knee problems, 29 had anterior knee pain, and all had a subsequent arthroscopy. Patients with anterior knee pain and lesions in the patellar cartilage had significantly reduced isometric contact forces, but those with normal patellofemoral cartilage had normal contact forces. Our method may be useful in providing an objective assessment of anterior knee pain and a quantitative means of monitoring its treatment.

It is difficult to establish the diagnosis of an injured shoulder if only one radiographic projection is used. We have compared two lateral projections, the Neer trans-scapular and the apical oblique in 80 patients; the radiographs were presented randomly to 10 casualty officers and nine radiologists. The apical oblique view was found to permit more accurate diagnosis of fractures and of dislocation by both groups.

Forty-two shoulders in 37 patients with polyarthritis were treated with Neer total shoulder replacements and reviewed 12 to 66 months afterwards. There was good pain relief and improvement in function, but the range of movement was less than that seen after replacements for osteoarthritis; this may have been related to the fact that 34 shoulders had abnormal rotator cuff tendons. Although there was a high incidence of radiolucent lines around the glenoid component, there was no clinical evidence of loosening. There were a few complications, but on the whole we feel that the Neer total shoulder arthroplasty is a valuable procedure for a patient with polyarthritis.

A comparison was made in a laminar-flow operating room between total-body exhaust gowns and a clothing system made from Fabric 450. This disposable clothing was found to be much more comfortable and convenient than the total-body exhaust gowns. The average airborne bacterial counts obtained during total hip replacement operations from each of the clothing systems were identical when the downflow method of ventilation was used (0.7 per cubic metre) and no significant difference could be demonstrated when the crossflow system was used (2.2 per cubic metre with the total-body exhaust gowns and 3.1 per cubic metre with the disposable clothing). Tests in a dispersal chamber were carried out to find the effectiveness of each item of the disposable clothing in reducing bacterial dispersion. These tests demonstrated the relative ineffectiveness of wearing a surgical gown as compared with wearing the complete system. It was confirmed bacteriologically that the downflow system of ventilation was more efficient than the crossflow type; the importance of this observation with respect to clothing and sepsis is discussed in this paper.