Introduction: Non-union occurs at a rate of 5–10 % following ankle and hindfoot arthrodesis, but the effect of early weight bearing on union rate in these patients has not been studied. Materials and Method: We have looked at the union rate following ankle and hindfoot arthrodesis with an early weight bearing protocol in a single surgeon series between 2003 and 2008. Data was collected retrospectively on 108 patients with a total of 198 ankle and hindfoot joint arthrodesis. Results: The non-union rate was 3.4% (9 in 154 joints) in the early weight bearing group and 18% (8 in 44 joints) in the late weight-bearing group. Union rate following revision surgery with bone graft was 100% in both groups. Discussion: Early weight bearing following ankle and hind-foot arthrodesis has no adverse effect on the union rate

Non-union is a potential complication following hindfoot arthrodesis and occurs at a rate of 5–10% as reported in the literature. Following the procedure, patients are usually kept non-weight bearing (NWB) for 6–8 weeks followed by protected full weight bearing (FWB) for further 6 weeks. Based on radiological and clinical evidence of bony union at 12 weeks patients are allowed to mobilise FWB without protection. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of early post operative weight bearing on the union rate, following hindfoot arthrodesis. In this retrospective study data was collected on patients who had hindfoot arthrodesis from 2003 to 2008 by a single surgeon. Two post operative mobilisation protocols were used and the union rates were compared. Protocol 1: 6 weeks Non weight bearing (NWB), 3 weeks partial weight bearing (PWB), 3 weeks full weight bearing (FWB) in plaster. Protocol 2: 2 weeks NWB, 4 weeks PWB, 6 weeks FWB in plaster. One hundred and twenty-nine hindfoot joint arthrodesis were performed in 73 patients. Non-union rate was 1% (1 in 95 joints) in early weight bearing group and 20% (7 in 34 joints) in late weight bearing group. Union rate following the revision surgery with bone graft was 100% in both groups. Early weight bearing following hindfoot arthodesis is safe, provides a more comfortable mobilisation for the patient and has no adverse effect on the union rate

1 . A preliminary report is presented of a clinical trial to compare the results of early and late weight bearing in randomly selected patients of comparable age groups whose displaced femoral neck fractures were treated by internal fixation with a sliding nail-plate. 2. When 124 patients were assessed at three months and 107 at six months after operation there was no significant difference between those who started unguarded weight bearing two weeks after operation and those who avoided weight bearing for three months. 3. Early weight bearing appears to have no harmful effect on the early post-operative stability of this fracture when a sliding nail-plate is used for fixation. 4. Further information is necessary before any conclusion can be reached about the effect of early weight bearing on the ultimate fate of the fracture and of the femoral head. For this reason, and also to increase the numbers of patients in the series, the trial is continuing and the patients are being followed up for a three-year period

Introduction: Non-union is a potential complication following hindfoot arthrodesis and occurs at a rate of 5–10% as reported in the literature. Following the procedure, patients are usually kept non-weight bearing (NWB) for 6–8 weeks followed by protected full weight bearing (FWB) for further 6 weeks. Based on radiological and clinical evidence of bony union at 12 weeks patients are allowed to mobilise FWB without protection. Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of early post operative weight bearing on the union rate, following hindfoot arthrodesis. Method: In this retrospective study data was collected on patients who had hindfoot arthrodesis from 2003 to 2008 by a single surgeon. Two post operative mobilisation protocols were used and the union rates were compared. Protocol 1: 6 weeks NWB, 3 weeks partial weight bearing (PWB), 3 weeks FWB in plaster. Protocol 2: 2 weeks NWB, 4 weeks PWB, 6 weeks FWB in plaster. Results: 128 hindfoot joint arthrodesis were performed in 73 patients. Non-union rate was 2%(1 in 44) in early weight bearing group and 20% (4 in 16) in late weight bearing group. Union rate following the revision surgery with bone graft was 100% in both groups. Conclusion: The union rate following hindfoot surgery significantly improves (p=0.01) with early post-operative weight bearing

Stable Weber B fractures are typically treated non-operatively without complications but require close monitoring due to concerns over potential medial deltoid ligament injuries and the risk of delayed talar shift. Following recent evidence suggesting this is unlikely, a functional protocol with early weight bearing was introduced at Glasgow Royal Infirmary (GRI) following a pilot audit. This study aims to evaluate the risk of delayed talar shift in isolated Weber B fractures managed with functional bracing and early weight-bearing, particularly if signs of medial ligament injury are present. We conducted a retrospective review of 148 patients with isolated Weber B fractures without talar shift at presentation that were reviewed at the virtual fracture clinic at our institution between July 2019 and June 2020. The primary outcome was the incidence of delayed talar shift. Secondary outcomes were other complications and adherence to protocol. 48 patients had medial signs present and of these 1 (2%) showed possible talar shift on X-rays at 4 weeks, and was kept under review. This patient had a normal medial clear space at 3 months. No patients with medial signs not documented (n=19) or not present (n=81) had delayed talar shift. 10% of patients (n=15) had at least 1 complication: delayed union (n=2); non-union (n=3); ongoing pain (n=14). Functional bracing with early weight-bearing is a safe, effective protocol for managing isolated Weber B fractures without initial talar shift. This study concludes that the risk of delayed talar shift is low in all patients, with or without medial signs

Introduction: Current evidence for treatment of Achilles tendon rupture suggests that open surgical repair reduces the re-rupture rate compared to conservative treatment, but with a higher risk of infection. Modern non-surgical treatment and surgical aftercare involves early weight-bearing in functional orthoses. It is therefore appropriate to measure the re-rupture rates and outcomes in patients treated in this manner.

Materials and methods: Between 2002 and 2008 our unit prospectively collected data on 80 patients treated with a below-knee functional orthoses for complete Achilles tendon rupture. Patients made their own choice of treatment following evidence-based counselling. The patients were treated either surgically or conservatively and entered the appropriate arm of the standard orthotic and early weight-bearing treatment protocol. Patients were contacted by telephone or post for follow-up and completed a VISA-A and Achilles Total Rupture Score (ATRS) questionnaire.

Results: There were 61 Males, 19 Females with an age range of 24–80 (median 42). The median time in the functional brace was eight weeks. 51 patients were treated conservatively and 29 patients surgically. The conservative group were a decade older (median age 47y, range 27–80) than the surgical group (median age 37y, range 24–55y). In the non-operative treatment group the re-rupture rate was 3.9% (2/51, 95% confidence interval 0.5–13.5%). In the surgical group it was 3.4% (1/29, 95% confidence interval 0–17.8%), in this group the wound infection rate was 6.8% (2/29, 95% confidence interval 0.9–22.8%) with no nerve injuries reported. The median ATRS was 82 in the conservative group and 95 in the surgical group. The median VISA-A scores were 57 and 92 respectively.

Discussion: Our case series shows comparable low re-rupture rates in both groups. Functional scores, using the newly validated ATRS score, were lower in the non-surgical, older group.

Conclusion: Functional care after surgical and non-surgical treatment of Achilles rupture produces similar re-rupture rates.

The management of acute tendo-Achilles (TA) rupture still divides orthopaedic opinion. The advent of minimally invasive endoscopic or percutaneous techniques is thought to allow faster rehabilitation. We report the outcome of 30 patients with acute TA ruptures that have undergone percutaneous repair followed by an accelerated rehabilitation programme with early weight-bearing.

A single centre, prospective cohort study was undertaken. 30 patients (21 men, 9 women; mean age: (40±9 years) with an acute TA rupture were enrolled and followed-up for an average of 12.5±2.9 months. All operations were performed under local anaesthesia, using a modified percutaneous technique, within 2 weeks of injury.

Following surgery, patients were immobilised in an equinus cast for only 2 weeks then allowed to weight bear through a walker boot with 3 heel wedges, which were removed sequentially over a 6-week period. A standardised physiotherapy programme was started 2 weeks post-operatively and continued until 4 months.

The primary outcome measure was the TA re-rupture rate and the Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS) at 3 and 6 months.

There were no re-ruptures in the study group. The mean 3- and 6-month ATRS was 57.75 and 86.95 respectively. This improvement was statistically significant (p<0.001). All patients were able to fully weight bear on the operated leg by the eighth week, without the walker boot. At the 6-month follow-up, the average satisfaction rate was 87±7.5%. Patients returned to their pre-rupture sports at an average of 10.4±3 months.

The results of this study demonstrate that minimally invasive repair of acute TA ruptures, combined with an accelerated rehabilitation programme provides a safe and reproducible treatment option.

Early weight-bearing of patients with ankle fractures is associated with good outcomes. There are a number of potential advantages to early mobilisation including reduced hospital stay and earlier return to work and regular daily activities. However, many surgeons have not incorporated this into their routine ankle fracture protocol, particularly for patients managed operatively; potentially due to concerns regarding loss of reduction. We hypothesised that ankle fractures managed fully weight-bearing would have good outcomes and a low rate of loss of reduction.

All ankle fractures presenting to our department over a 15-month period were studied prospectively. Patients were instructed to mobilise fully weight-bearing as able, either immediately postoperatively (for those fractures considered unstable that underwent operative intervention), or at the first fracture clinic review (if stable and managed conservatively). Only patients with syndesmotic injuries and those with neuropathy or psychiatric illness were excluded. The effectiveness of this management protocol was assessed by clinical and radiographic review following fracture union.

847 patients were included, of whom 25% were over the age of 65. 33% of fractures were unstable and therefore managed operatively, 66% were stable and therefore managed in casts or with functional bracing. In every case the radiographs showed maintenance of anatomical mortise and fracture reduction at the time of union, good patient reported outcomes were also recorded.

Early weight-bearing of patients with ankle fractures, whether managed conservatively or operatively, results in very low rates of loss of reduction and should be considered routine management for the majority of patients.

Aims

The aim of this study was to determine the immediate post-fixation stability of a distal tibial fracture fixed with an intramedullary nail using a biomechanical model. This was used as a surrogate for immediate weight-bearing postoperatively. The goal was to help inform postoperative protocols.

Atypical femoral fracture non-union (AFFNU) is both, rare (3–5 per 1000 proximal femur fractures) and difficult to treat. Lack of standardised guidelines leads to a variability in fixation constructs, use of bone grafting and restricted weight bearing protocols, which are not evidence based. We hypothesised that there is no change in union rates without the use of bone grafting and immediate weight bearing post-operatively does not lead to increased complications. Materials & Methods. A retrospective review of all consecutively treated AFFNU cases between March 2015 to December 2019 was carried out. 9 patients with a mean age of 63.87 years and M:F ratio of 7:2 met the inclusion criteria. Primary outcome variable was radiographic union at 12 months after revision surgery. All surgeries were carried out by a single surgeon. Fixation construct, neck-shaft angle, use of bone graft and immediate postoperative weight bearing protocols were recorded. Results. Radiographic union was achieved in 7 of 9 patients (78%) after first revision surgery. 1 patient achieved union after 2nd revision surgery and 1 patient died in the early post-operative period due to pulmonary embolism. No bone grafting was used in any of the patients and weight-bearing as tolerated was allowed from the first post-operative day. The mean neck-shaft angle after non-union surgery was 136 degrees. Conclusions. In this case series, the union rate was comparable to those reported in literature previously and achieved without any form of bone grafting. To our knowledge, this is the only case series where no bone grafting was used in the management of AFFNU. Limited by a small sample size and retrospective study design, still, this study brings into question the efficacy of practice of bone grafting and restricted weight-bearing in the management of AFFNU. Bone grafting is associated with the risk of infection at donor site, postoperative pain, and morbidity, while early weight bearing is critical in elderly patients. There is no evidence supporting restricted weight-bearing and it should not be adopted as the default practice as it may even be detrimental to patients

Introduction. Distal femur fractures have traditionally been stabilized with either lateral locking plate or retrograde intramedullary nail. Dual-plates and nail-plate combination fixation have the theoretical biomechanical advantage, faster union and allows patients to weight bear immediately. The aim of this study is to compare single vs combination fixation, and evaluate outcomes and complications. Method. We retrospectively reviewed all patients over 60, admitted to Christchurch Hospital, between 1st Jan 2016 and 31st Dec 2022, with an AO 33A/33B/33C distal femur fracture. Patient demographics, fracture characteristics, operation details, and follow up data were recorded. Primary outcomes are union rate, ambulatory status at discharge, and surgical complications. Secondary outcomes include quality of reduction, operation time and rate of blood transfusions. Results. 114 patients were included. (92 single fixation, 22 combination fixation). Baseline demographic data and fracture characteristics did not differ between the cohorts. There was no difference in the rate of union or time to union between the two cohorts. Combination fixation patients were allowed to weight-bear as tolerated significantly more than single fixation patients (50% vs 18.9%, p=0.003). There was no difference in length of hospital stay, transfusion, complication and mortality rates. Medial translation of the distal articular block was significantly lower in the combination fixation cohort (1.2% vs 3.4%, p=0.021). Operation time was significantly longer in the combination fixation cohort (183mins vs 134mins, p<0.001). Discussion. The results show no difference in achieving union or time to union, despite better quality of fracture reduction with dual fixation. This differs to previously published literature. The clear benefit of combination fixation is immediate weight-bearing. As expected, operation times were longer with combination fixation, however this did not translate to more complications. Conclusion. Combination fixation allows earlier weight bearing, at the cost of longer operation times

Significant variation exists amongst surgeons regarding the post operative rehabilitation protocol after surgical repair of Achilles tendon ruptures. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of early weight bearing on the postoperative recovery after surgical repair of ruptured Achilles tendons. The hypothesis was that an early weight bearing routine does not increase the rate of re-rupture or other complications, and improves the quality of life by reducing discomfort of the rehabilitation phase and allowing an earlier return to work and sport. A prospective, randomised controlled trial of patients with Achilles tendon ruptures undergoing surgical repair was performed over a three year period concluding in April 2006. Specific inclusion and exclusion criteria were used to include one hundred and ten patients in the study at two centers involving twelve surgeons. Patients were randomised to either weight bearing or non weight bearing at the initial postoperative visit and compliance was monitored with a pressure sensor in the fixed-hinged ankle foot orthosis. Patients were assessed at six, twelve and twenty-six weeks postoperatively for 1) re-rupture rate, 2) strength of calf musculature 3) ankle range of motion, 4) complications, 5) return to sporting activities, and 6) return to work. In addition, health–related quality of life was measured using the SF-36 and AOFAS Ankle-Hindfoot Scale. Enrollment was completed as of May 2006 and six month data is over 90% completed. We are on course for < 10% loss to follow-up. Thus far, there have been no re-ruptures in either group. Definitive data analysis can only be performed once all one hundred and ten patients have completed their six month follow up. Once data analysis is completed, comparisons of patient satisfaction, strength, range of motion, complications, return to sport and return to work will be discussed. Early weight bearing after Achilles tendon repair did not increase the rate of re-rupture. Final data analysis will document any significant differences in the parameters measured. We believe this study will provide a definitive answer on the safety of early weight bearing after surgical repair of Achilles tendon ruptures

Despite multiple published reviews, the optimum method of correction and stabilisation of Blount's disease remains controversial. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of acute correction of late-onset tibial vara by percutaneous proximal tibial osteotomy with circular external fixation using two simple rings. This technique was developed to minimise cost in a context of limited resources. This study was conducted between 2016 and 2020. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical notes and radiographs of 30 patients (32tibiae) who had correction of late-onset tibia by proximal tibial osteotomy and Ilizarov external fixator. All cases were followed up to 2 years. The mean proximal tibial angle was 65.7° (±7.8) preoperatively and 89.8° (±1.7) postoperatively. The mean mechanical axis deviation improved from 56.2 (±8.3) preoperatively to 2.8 (±1.6) mm postoperatively. The mean femoral-tibial shaft angle was changed from – 34.3° (±6.7) preoperatively to 5.7° (±2.8) after correction. Complications included overcorrection (9%) and pin tract infection (25%). At final follow up, all patients had full knee range of motion and normal function. All cases progressed to union and there were no cases of recurrence of deformity. This simple procedure provides secure fixation allowing early weight bearing and early return to function. It can be used in the context of health care systems with limited resources. It has a relatively low complication rate. Our results suggest that acute correction and simple circular frame fixation is an excellent treatment choice for cases of late-onset tibia vara, especially in severe deformities

Introduction and Objective. Management of gap non-union of the tibia, the major weight bearing bone of the leg remains controversial. The different internal fixation techniques are often weighed down by relatively high complication rates that include fractures which fail to heal (non-union). Minimally invasive techniques with ring fixators and bone transport (distraction osteogenesis) have come into picture as an alternative allowing alignment and stabilization, avoiding a graduated approach. This study was focused on fractures that result in a gap non-union of > 6 cm. Ilizarov technique was employed for management of such non-unions in this case series. The Ilizarov apparatus consists of rings, rods and kirschner wires that encloses the limb as a cylinder and uses kirschner wires to create tension allowing early weight bearing and stimulating bone growth. Ilizarov technique works on the principle of distraction osteogenesis, that is, pulling apart of bone to stimulate new bone growth. Usually, 4–5 rings are used in the setup depending on fracture site and pattern for stable fixation. In this study, we demonstrate effective bone transport and formation of gap non-union more than 6 cm in 10 patients using only 3 rings construct Ilizarov apparatus. Materials and Methods. This case study was conducted at Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical Hospital, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. The study involved 10 patients with a non-union or gap > 6 cm after tibial fracture. 3 rings were used in the setup for the treatment of all the patients. Wires were passed percutaneously through the bone using a drill and the projecting ends of the wires were attached to the metal rings and tensioned to increase stability. The outcome of the study was measured using the Oxford Knee scoring system, Functional Mobility Scale, the American Foot and Ankle Score and Visual Analog Scale. Further, follow up of patients was done upto 2 years. Results. All the patients demonstrated good fixation as was assessed clinically and radiologically. 9 patients had a clinical score of > 65 which implied fair to excellent clinical rating. The patients showed good range of motion and were highly satisfied with the treatment as measured by different scoring parameters. Conclusions. In this case study, we demonstrate that the Ilizarov technique using 3 rings is equally effective in treating non-unions > 6 cm as when using 4–5 rings. Obtaining good clinical outcome and low complication rate in all 10 patients shows that this modified technique can be employed for patients with such difficulties in the future

The December 2015 Foot & Ankle Roundup. 360 . looks at: The midfoot fusion bolt: has it had its day?; Ankle arthroplasty: only for the old?; A return to the Keller’s osteotomy for diabetic feet?; Joint sparing surgery for ankle arthritis in the context of deformity?; Beware the subtalar fusion in the ankle arthrodesis patient?; Nonunion in the foot and ankle a predictive score; Cast versus early weight bearing following Achilles tendon repair; Should we plate Lisfranc injuries?

PFFs are an increasing burden presenting to the acute trauma services. The purpose of this study is to show that cemented revision for Vancouver B2/B3 PFFs is a safe option in the geriatric population, allows early pain-free weight bearing and comparable to a control-group of uncemented stems with regard to return to theatre and revision surgery. A retrospective review was conducted of all PFFs treated in a Level 1 trauma centre from 2015-2020. Follow up x-rays and clinical course through electronic chart was reviewed for 78 cemented revisions and 49 uncemented revisions for PFF. Primary endpoints were all cause revision and return to theatre for any reason. Secondary endpoints recorded mobility status and all-cause mortality. In the cemented group there were 73 Vancouver B2, 5 Vancouver B3 PFF; the mean age was 79.7 years and mean radiological follow-up of 11.9 months. In the cementless group there were 32 Vancouver B2 and 17 Vancouver B3 PFFs; with all 49 patients undergoing distally bearing uncemented revision, the mean age was 72.7 years and mean radiological follow-up of 21.3 months. Patients treated with a cemented prosthesis had significantly higher ASA score (2.94 -v- 2.43, p<0.001). The primary endpoints showed that there was no significant difference in all cause revision 3/78 and 5/49 p=0.077, or return to theatre 13/78 -v- 12/49 p=0.142. Secondary endpoints revealed no significant difference in in-hospital mortality. The cementless group were more likely to be mobilising without any aid at latest follow-up 35/49 -v- 24/78 p<0.001. The use of cemented revision femoral component in the setting of PFFs is one option in the algorithm for management of unstable PFFs according to the Vancouver classification. Evidence from this case-control study, shows that the all-cause revision and return to theatre for any cause was comparable in both groups

Background. Ankle fractures associated with diabetes experience more complications following standard Open-Reduction-Internal-Fixation (ORIF) than those without diabetes. Augmented fixation strategies namely extended ORIF and hind-foot-nail (HFN) may offer better results, and early weightbearing in this group. The aim of this study was to define the population of patients with diabetes undergoing primary fixation for ankle fractures. Secondarily, to assess the utilisation of standard and augmented strategies and the effect of these choices on surgical outcomes including early post-operative weight bearing and surgical complications. Methods. A national-multicentre retrospective cohort study was conducted between January to June 2019 in 56 centres (10 Major- Trauma-Centres and 46 Trauma-Units) in the United Kingdom; 1360 specifically defined complex ankle-fractures were enrolled. Demographics, fixation choice, surgical and functional outcomes were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed to compare high-risk patients with/without diabetes. Results. There were 316 patients in the diabetes cohort with mean age 63.9yrs (vs. 49.3yrs in non-diabetes cohort), and greater frailty score >4 (24% vs.14% (non-diabetes cohort) (p<0.03); 7.5% had documented neuropathy. In the diabetes cohort, 79.7% underwent standard ORIF, 7.1% extended ORIF and 10.2% a HFN compared to 87.7%, 3.0% and 10.3% in the non-diabetes cohort. Surgical wound complications after standard-ORIF were higher in the diabetes cohort (15.1% vs. 8.7%) (p<0.02) but patients with diabetes who underwent augmented techniques showed little difference in surgical outcomes/complications to non-diabetes, even though early-weight- bearing rates were greater than standard-ORIF. Conclusion. Ankle fractures in diabetes occur in older, frailer patients; whilst lower than expected neuropathy rates suggest a need for improved assessment. Augmented surgical techniques may allow earlier weight-bearing without increasing complications in keeping with modern guidelines in ankle fracture management

Using a comparative, longitudinal study design, we studied the effects of early weight bearing and ankle mobilisation following acute repair of ruptured Achilles tendon. Patients in Group 1 (22 males and 4 females; mean age 44.7 years [range 31–69], 11 right- and 15 left-sided ruptures) were immobilised with their ankle in gravity equinus, and encouraged to fully weight bear. They received a single cast change at 2 weeks, when the ankle was accommodated in an anterior splint, allowing full plantarflexion but not dorsiflexion above neutral. Patients in Group 2 (23 males and 4 females; mean age 43.8 years [range 30–67], 11 right- and 16 left-sided ruptures) were immobilised in full equinus. They received a cast change at 2 and 4 weeks, when the ankle was immobilised in a plantigrade position. They were advised to weight bear 4 weeks after the operation. Patients in Group 1 attended less outpatient visits and completely discarded their crutches at an average of 2.5 weeks after the operation. Group 2 discarded their crutches at an average of 5.7 weeks after from the operation (p=0.013). At ultrasound scan, the average thickness of the repaired tendon was 12.1 mm (SD 2), with no difference in the thickness of the ruptured tendon regardless of the method of post-operative management. There was no significant difference in isometric strength between the two groups of patients. A greater proportion of patients in Group 1 were satisfied with the results of surgery (p=0.04). Early weight bearing with the ankle plantigrade is not detrimental to the outcome of repair following rupture of the Achilles tendon, and shortens the time needed for rehabilitation. However, strength deficit and muscle atrophy are not prevented

Aims: Subtrochanteric fractures in the elderly are clearly related to osteoporosis. With the new instrumentation early weight bearing in the immediate postoperative treatment offers bigger probability of the one year patientñs survival rate. Methods: We use 2 already well-established nails for diaphyseal and trochanteric fractures coupled together. The new nail enables more stability in osteoporotic diaphysis and lowers the risk of second fracture at the tip of the standard intramedulary hip screw. Results: 54 patients were operated on subtrochanteric fractures with long intramedulary hip screw in the years 1999 Ð 2000. Female to male ratio was 2.6: 1, all were older than 60 years, on average 79.1. All were operated on the second day after admission, average hospital stay was 13.9 days (impact of preoperative morbidity), no intrahospital mortality was noticed in this group. At release 61% of them walked on crutches, 31% were conþned to wheelchair. No deep infections nor delayed union were found. Interlocking screws were removed in 8 patients. The survival rate of those patients who were able to walk independently at time of discharge was signiþcantly higher (p< 0.05) and the inßuence of the longer implant is clearly established. Conclusions: We found out that in elderly people with strong osteoporosis the diaphysis should be buttressed with a long nail like in case of pathologic fractures at proximal and middle third of the femur, with indirect closed reduction. Without exposing the fracture site the osteosynthesis is performed in more biological way. Stability of the long nail positioned in the whole diaphyseal canal enables early weight bearing

The successful management of femoral neck fractures is obviously based upon many factors. The forces acting upon the proximal end of the femur are believed to be mainly compressive in nature, and the low-angle nail by stabilising the fully reduced fracture in the line of these forces is held to allow weight bearing to take place. Low-angle nailing is believed to offer many advantages over conventional methods of treatment but only in the presence of stability. Stable reduction is the essential preliminary to any form of treatment, and low-angle fixation with early weight bearing in the absence of stability is regarded as futile. It is suggested that those subcapital separations which follow trivial injury may originate as stress fractures accompanying the process of bone remodelling in the aged, and that many of these fractures may remain unrecognised and heal spontaneously. With rare exceptions, subcapital fractures are regarded as being of the same essential pattern, and their varying radiological appearance is considered to be due to the different degrees of displacement to which they have been subjected. A new classification based on this premise has been suggested. In a series of eighty subcapital fractures the incidence of avascular necrosis was not adversely affected by early weight bearing, but reduction in the extreme valgus position was invariably followed by this disaster. This is probably also true of any malposition in extreme rotation which must stretch and obliterate the vessels in the ligamentum teres. A rough alignment index of reduction was found to provide an almost infallible guide to the prognosis both in regard to union and to avascular change. It may therefore be possible to base prognosis on the quality of reduction before the fixation appliance has been inserted. The unsatisfactory results in those cases apparently destined to non-union or avascular necrosis may then be avoided by alternative means of treatment at an early stage. Whether this will prove to be true must depend upon a much longer experience of low-angle fixation, and, in common with almost every communication on this subject, premature publication must largely offset the value of the present findings