Removal of a small, moderate or major part of the articular cartilage of the patella for chondromalacia has been successful in twenty-two knees out of twenty-eight. These knees are functionally at least as good as after a successful patellectomy, and their appearance is better.

Only one knee that was initially improved by operation deteriorated during a follow-up period of five to seven years.

Of the six unsuccessful results, four were in patients whose symptoms began during adolescence. Excision of articular cartilage therefore seems to be contra-indicated during adolescence and when there is reason to believe that the chondromalacia will be rapidly progressive.

Failure of excision of articular cartilage to relieve the symptoms within a few months is an indication for patellectomy.

1 . The theoretical requirements for optimal correction of thoracic scoliosis and kyphosis are discussed, and observations are made on the limitations of methods in current use for their ambulant correction.

2. The experimental use of hydrostatic pressure in an endeavour to satisfy these clinical requirements is described.

3. It is suggested that the use of hydrostatic pressure as the source of corrective force has considerable advantages, and that, with refinements, the techniques described may prove a useful addition to rigid mechanical methods of correction.

1. Problems of management of a pathological fracture of a major long bone through a metastatic cancer deposit are outlined. The relatively short life expectancy of these patients is stressed.

2. The results of treatment of thirty-six consecutive fractures of this type by internal fixation and radiotherapy, and of similar treatment used "prophylactically" on seven occasions, are reviewed.

3. Four-fifths of the patients with lower limb fractures became ambulant with crutches and were able to return home.

4. "Prophylactic" internal fixation and radiotherapy appear to be helpful in selected cases.

5. The theoretical dangers and difficulties of the technique are discussed. They are easily surmountable and have probably been over-emphasised in the past.

6. It is concluded that this is the best method at present available for dealing with this difficult problem.

1. The results of treatment of 100 consecutive patients with pertrochanteric and basal fractures of the femur treated by early operative fixation with a McKee two-piece nail and plate are reviewed.

2. Technical failures are analysed and discussed.

3. The pattern of mortality is discussed and contrasted with that in a comparable series of patients treated conservatively.

4. It is concluded that early operative fixation is the method of choice in the management of these fractures, and that the McKee pin and plate is a satisfactory and reliable device for securing internal fixation.