We studied 70 consecutive patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis who underwent corrective surgery. They were divided into two groups. In the study group of 38 patients one or more modern blood-conservation measures was used peri-operatively. The 32 patients in the control group did not have these measures. Both groups were similar in regard to age, body-weight, the number of levels fused and the type of surgery.

Only two patients in the study group were transfused with homologous blood and these transfusions were ‘off-protocol’. Wastage of autologous pre-donated units was minimal (6 of 83 units). By contrast, all patients in the control group were transfused with homologous blood. In the study group there was a significant decrease (p = 0.005) in the estimated blood loss when all the blood-conservation methods were used.

The use of blood-conservation measures, the lowering of the haemoglobin trigger for transfusion and the education of the entire team involved in the care of the patient can prevent the need for homologous blood transfusion in patients undergoing surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

Fifty-two children with 62 discoid lateral menisci were reviewed at an average follow-up of 5.5 years. Their average age at operation was 10.5 years and the mean delay in diagnosis was 24 months. Most of the children had vague and intermittent symptoms and the classical clunk was demonstrable in only 39% of the knees. An associated osteochondritis dissecans of the lateral femoral condyle was seen in seven knees. Forty-eight knees with symptomatic torn discoid menisci underwent open total lateral meniscectomy, six had arthroscopic partial meniscectomy and eight knees with intact discoid menisci, were left alone. Based on Ikeuchi's grading (Ikeuchi 1982), 37% of the knees had an excellent result, 47% had a good result and 16% had a fair result: none was poor. Arthroscopic partial meniscectomy is recommended only when the posterior attachment of the discoid meniscus is stable. A total meniscectomy is indicated for the Wrisberg-ligament type of discoid meniscus with posterior instability.