Objective: When performing total hip arthroplasty for osteoarthrosis secondary to hip dysplasia, we usually aim to fix the acetabular component in the area of the original acetabulum before deformation has occured resulting from superior migration of the femoral head. In cases where intraoperative bony coverage of the socket is less than three-fourths of the surface area of the cup, we construct block bone grafts from the resected femoral head and fix these to the acetabulum using metal screws. In this study we report the middle-term results of cementless sockets implanted using block bone grafts.

Materials and methods: 25 hip joints of 20 patients with follow-up of over 5 years were included in this study. The mean age at surgery was 50 years (range: 36 to 67). The femoral components were fixed with cement in 9 joints and without cement in 16 joints. Follow-up periods ranged from 5.0 years to 10.5 years (mean 7.5 years). X-rays were obtained and studied concerning incorporation and collapse of the bone graft, migration of the socket and peripheral osteolysis.

Results: Incorporation of the grafted bone was obtained in all cases. No socket migration and no collapse of the bone graft were observed. A localized absorption of grafted bone was seen in two asymptomatic cases.

Conclusion: Very good results were obtained with cementless sockets implanted with block bone grafts at a mean follow-up of 7.5 years.

We undertook 114 arthroscopic meniscal repairs in 111 patients and subsequently carried out second-look arthroscopy to confirm meniscal healing at a mean of 13 months after repair. Stable healing at the repaired site was seen in 90. Of these, however, 13 had another arthroscopy later for a further tear. The mean period between the repair and the observation of a repeat tear was 48 months. Of the 13 patients, 11 had returned to high activity levels (International Knee Documentation Committee level I or II) after the repair.

An attempt should be made to preserve meniscal function by repairing tears, but even after arthroscopic confirmation of stable healing repaired menisci may tear again. The long-term rate of healing may not be as high as is currently reported. Second-look arthroscopy cannot predict late meniscal failure and may not be justified as a method of assessment for meniscal healing. Young patients engaged in arduous sporting activities should be reviewed regularly even after arthroscopic confirmation of healing.