Aims: To evaluate the results and complications of Ilizarov bone transport method for the treatment of long bones defects. Methods: Between 1990 and 2001 the Ilizarov intercalary bone transport method was applied to treat 44 patients with segmental bone loss of the femur and tibial. The series comprised 30 males and 14 females with an average age of 33 years (range 17–68 years). Two different types of treatment were used: Ç monofocal È technique, for small bone defects up to 4 cm and Ç bifocal È technique, for large bone defects (4–20 cm). The mean bone defect was 10 cm (range 3–18cm), while mean external þxation time was 8.6 months (range 3–24 months). The mean consolidation index of the distraction gap was 23 days/cm (range 18–27 d/cm). Mean follow up period after frame removal was 4 years (range 1–11 years). Results: The bone results were rated as excellent in 33 patients (74%), good in 6 (13%) and poor in 1 (2%). The functional results were rated as excellent in 7 patients (16%), good in 29 (66%), fair in 5 (11%), and poor in 3 (7%). Pin tract infection was the most common complication. The late complications included axial deformities, re-fractures and joint stiffness. Conclusions: The Ilizarov method is still an effective technique for bone defects treatment; the main disadvantage is the prolonged external þxation time.

Aim: The arthroscopic þndings after a knee injury in the general population, and the inßuence of Cause of injury, Gender and Age upon Meniscal, ACL and Combined Meniscal and ACL tears is presented.

Methods: Patients (n:215) with no history of previous knee injury or surgery, no history of arthritis, and normal X-rays that underwent arthroscopy by the same surgeon. The data was analysed by an independent bio-statistitian using unconditional logistic regression analysis.

Results: Patients with Sports related injuries (62.8%) were younger than patients with Non-sporting injuries (37.2%), (p< 0.001). More men than women underwent arthroscopy in both groups. Patients in sporting group had greater odds than patients in non-sporting group to have: an ACL tear, an ACL and meniscal tear (combined), a lateral meniscal tear. Women had lower odds than men to have: a meniscal tear, a combined tear.

Conclusions: In the general population (a) more patients underwent arthroscopy after a sporting than after a non-sporting injury (b) men were more than women in both groups (c) the cause of injury was predictive for an ACL and combined meniscal and ACL tears as well as the meniscus involved (d) in both sporting and non-sporting injuries women had less odds to have a meniscal and a combined meniscal and ACL tear.