Introduction

We examined the effect on blood loss of two standardised intravenous bolus doses of 500 mg of Tranexamic Acid, a fibrinolytic inhibitor that reduces blood loss following Knee Arthroplasty (KA).

Introduction: rapidly destructive hip arthropathy is a recognised condition. Some authors considered it as a subset of osteoarthritis but none has identiþed the aetiology, pathogenesis or risk factors. Patients and methods: Authors present 14 cases of an extreme subset of rapidly destructive hip arthropathy. The radiological deterioration occurred dramatically over a short period ranging from 2 weeks up to few months. Loss of femoral head ranged from 25% up to 100% of the head volume. Acetabulum was damaged in all cases and femoral neck was partially lost in 9 cases (up to 75%). 4 cases were associated with dislocation. Age ranges from 53 to 85, female to male ratio (8 to 6), 2 patients had bilateral disease. Results: Clinical and radiological features were similar to those of neuropathic joint, infection, neoplasia, or avascular necrosis. However these conditions were excluded by further investigations; laboratory, imaging, surgical exploration and histopathology. All patients underwent hip arthroplasty. Some common (at risk) features included elderly patients, long history of receiving strong NSAIDs, radiologically atrophic and predominantly lateral disease. Conclusion: It appears that this condition represents a new entity but authors were not able to identify the aetiology. Awareness of this condition is important and at risk patients should be closely monitored.

We present a method of visualising spinal deformities in three dimensions using conventional radiographs and computer graphics. The shape of the spinal column can be determined from the anteroposterior and lateral radiographs and displayed in any projection. In patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, the fundamental lesion, an abnormal lordosis, can be demonstrated without the need for additional views. The method is applicable to other spinal deformities and may help to elucidate their three-dimensional shape.

A new method of recording the three-dimensional anatomy of the proximal femur from a single anteroposterior radiograph is described. This technique shows that in Perthes' disease the femoral head and neck are in significant anteversion and true varus. This anatomical configuration may be important in the pathogenesis and treatment of this disorder.