Extracorporeal irradiation and re-implantation of a bone segment is a technique employed in bone sarcoma surgery for limb salvage in the setting of reasonable bone stock. There is neither consensus nor rationale given for the dosage of irradiation used in previous studies, with values of up to 300Gy applied. We investigated the influence of extracorporeal irradiation on the elastic and viscoelastic properties of bone. Bone specimens were extracted from mature cattle and subdivided into thirteen groups; twelve groups exposed to increasing levels of irradiation and a control group. The specimens, once irradiated, underwent mechanical testing in saline at 37°C.

Mechanical properties were calculated by experimental means which included Young's Modulus, Poisson's Ratio, Dissipation Factor, Storage Modulus, Loss Modulus and Dynamic Modulus. These were all obtained for comparison of the irradiated specimens to the control group.

We found there to be a statistically significant increase in Poisson's ratio after increasing irradiation doses up to 300Gy were applied. However, there was negligible change in all other mechanical properties of bone that were assessed. Therefore, we conclude that the overall mechanical effect of high levels of extracorporeal irradiation (300Gy) is minute, and can be administered to reduce the risk of malignancy recurrence.

First-time anterior dislocation of the shoulder is associated with the development of recurrent instability. It is recognised that patients with recurrent instability often have osseous defects. Using 3D computerised tomography (3DCT) it is possible to quantify these defects. Whether these defects are present after the primary dislocation or occur progressively from multiple dislocations is unclear. We correlated the presence of Hill-Sachs lesions and anterior glenoid bone loss with evidence of recurrent dislocation and clinical outcomes.

78 patients were followed up for two years. All underwent a 3DCT within a week of injury. Standardised images of the humeral head and glenoid were produced. Using standardised digital techniques bone loss was measured.

39% of the patients developed further instability. Average Hill-Sachs circumferential length = 15.23%. Average Hill-Sachs surface area = 5.53%. The length and surface area of the Hill-Sachs lesions were significantly associated with further instability. (p=0.019 and p=0.003). Average en face glenoid surface area loss=1.30% with no association to instability (p=0.685). There was poor correlation between the size of the glenoid lesion and the size of the Hill-Sachs lesion.

Results showed that age and increasing size of the Hill-Sachs lesions result in a higher rate of instability. Interestingly glenoid bone loss was relatively low and did not predict recurrent instability. The size of the Hill-Sachs lesion does not have a linear relationship with glenoid bone loss. Further work defining the morphology of the Hill-Sachs lesion and its engagement with a glenoid defect is required.

A Morton's neuroma is a painful forefoot disorder characterised by plantar pain and toe paraesthesia. Many treatments have been tried including modification of shoe wear, injections and surgery. The results from different treatment modalities are extremely variable in the scientific literature.

We reviewed 79 patients who presented with an ultrasound proven Morton's Neuromata at an average of 60 months following treatment in a patient blind randomised trial.

35 had surgery with resection of the Morton's Neuromata. We compared the results of the patients who had had a steroid injection and surgery, a steroid injection alone, a placebo injection and then surgery and a placebo injection alone.

We looked at the requirement for further consultations, pain scores, activity restrictions, footwear restriction, overall satisfaction with their treatment and overall quality of life scores. We found no significant difference between the groups. Overall 80% of the surgical patients had a good or excellent result and 67% of the non- operatively managed patients had a good or excellent result. There was no difference in their quality of life scores.

Previous studies have shown little benefit in steroid injections in the treatment of Morton's Neuromata. We conclude at the five year mark there is no significant differences between operating on Morton's Neuromata and treating them conservatively.

Further research should focus on comparing operative vs conservative treatment in the short to medium term. In order to justify the risks and costs of surgery.