Using a rat model the characteristics of the sensory neurones of the dorsal-root ganglia (DRG) innervating the hip were investigated by retrograde neurotransport and immunohistochemistry.

Fluoro-Gold solution (FG) was injected into the left hip of ten rats. Seven days later the DRG from both sides between T12 and L6 were harvested. The number of FG-labelled calcitonin gene-related peptide-immunoreactive or isolectin B4-binding neurones were counted.

The FG-labelled neurones were distributed throughout the left DRGs between T13 and L5, primarily at L2, L3, and L4. Few FG-labelled isolectin B4-binding neurones were present in the DRGs of either side between T13 and L5, but calcitonin gene-related peptide-immunoreactive neurones made up 30% of all FG-labelled neurones.

Our findings may explain the referral of pain from the hip to the thigh or lower leg corresponding to the L2, L3 and L4 levels. Since most neurones are calcitonin gene-related peptide-immunoreactive peptide-containing neurones, they may have a more significant role in the perception of pain in the hip as peptidergic DRG neurones.

We describe a method of exposing the whole length of the axillary and suprascapular nerves through a sabre-cut incision. The coracoid process is osteotomised and part of trapezius is detached from its insertions. The posterior deltoid is freed from its scapular origin to expose infraspinatus.

We have used this approach to explore combined injuries of the axillary and suprascapular nerves with good results, and no serious complications. Its success depends on a meticulous surgical technique.

We report the results in 33 patients who had nerve grafting of the axillary or the suprascapular nerve or of both. There were 32 men and one woman; their mean age was 21 years and the average interval between injury and operation was three months.

At a mean follow-up of 27 months, the deltoid had recovered to M3 or better in 23 of 30 patients (77%) and the infraspinatus in 18 of 25 patients (72%). Shoulder elevation had reached 120° or more in 27 patients (82%), with external rotation of 30° or more in 27 (82%). Twenty-six patients (79%) could reach to the top of their head with their hand.

Recovery of muscle strength, range of movement and shoulder function were satisfactory when surgery was performed within four months of the injury. Early exploration and nerve grafting can lead to a good functional recovery, but thorough exploration and careful repair of both nerves are essential.

The Kodama-Yamamoto knee is an uncemented surface replacement which has been used since 1970. The design has been improved twice and this present report concerns the results of the Mark II model. Between 1980 and 1984, 350 knees were replaced in 225 patients. In 1987, a survey of 335 of these knees was conducted at two to seven years after operation. The results were excellent or good in 83% of patients. Many of the failures were because of general disorders unrelated to the operation, but in 5.4% of the knees there were local complications which continue to present problems.