Thirty patients with non-tuberculous pyogenic osteomyelitis of the spine are reported in all of whom the diagnosis was confirmed bacteriologically, histologically or serologically. The clinical and radiological features and investigations are analysed. Back pain, localised to the level involved, was the predominant symptom. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate was raised in all cases, and a characteristic sequence of radiological features is described

Two cases of benign osteoblastic tumours of the spine, occurring in young patients, and presenting as expanding osteolytic lesions with some central calcification and ossification, are described. It is suggested that they represent a condition allied to, but usefully separated from, osteoid osteoma of bone. The name osteogenic fibroma of bone, proposed by Lichtenstein for this type of case, is accepted

The anterior exposure of the upper thoracic spine using standard methods is often difficult and limited. We report our experience using a technique described by Sundaresan et al. (1984) in which the medial portion of one clavicle and part of the manubrium sterni are excised. In 10 cases we found this to be a useful and safe procedure

1. Kyphosis and kyphoscoliosis associated with myelomeningocele are discussed. 2. It is suggested that the condition be treated by osteotomy of the spine, with removal of one or more vertebral bodies. 3. Sixteen patients treated by this method of spinal osteotomy are presented. 4. Although almost a third of the patients died, a high operative and post-operative mortality in this condition is considered acceptable

Between 1980 and 1984 nine adult patients in the renal unit of Guy's Hospital developed bone and joint infection. The commonest site of infection was the spine. In this series two patients died, a mortality of 22%. The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the pitfalls in the diagnosis and management of bone and joint infection in patients with renal failure and renal transplants

Forty-one cadaveric lumbar intervertebral joints from 18 spines were flexed and fatigue loaded to simulate a vigorous day's activity. The joints were then bisected and the discs examined. Twenty-three out of 41 of the discs showed distortions in the lamellae of the annulus fibrosus and, in a few of these, complete radial fissures were found in the posterior annulus

1. Evidence is presented that the basic lesion in scoliosis is relative lengthening of the anterior components of the spine compared with the posterior elements. 2. The logical treatment is to reduce this relative lengthening either by lengthening the posterior elements or shortening the anterior elements. This may be achieved by anterior lumbar wedge osteotomy or by epiphysiodesis; and correction of lumbar lordosis can improve a thoracic scoliosis

Objectives

To validate the precision of digitally reconstructed radiograph (DRR) radiostereometric analysis (RSA) and the model-based method (MBM) RSA with respect to benchmark marker-based (MM) RSA for evaluation of kinematics in the native hip joint.

In our practice sequestration of the shafts of long bones in children because of acute osteomyelitis continues to be a problem. Conventional procedures for bone grafting are likely to fail. Vascularised grafts with microvascular anastomosis are technically demanding with a high rate of failure. Transfer of the rib on its vascular pedicle to achieve anterior fusion in the thoracic spine is now well established and the length of the pedicle available is adequate to allow grafting of a diaphyseal defect in the humerus. We describe the successful use of this procedure in two patients

We describe a method of internal fixation for occipito-cervical fusion utilising a standard "small fragment" T-plate bent and fixed to the skull with three screws. The lower end of the plate is screwed and wired firmly to the spine of the axis. Of 14 patients so treated, 12 fused, one died and one failed to unite to the skull. Of eight with cord signs, seven remitted or improved and one died

Computerised tomography of the lumbar spine was performed on 22 patients with clinical evidence of prolapse of an intervertebral disc and normal or equivocal radiculograms. Of 11 patients with positive scans who had an operation the presence of pathology was confirmed in 10. Although CT scanning is always helpful in diagnosing disc disorders, where facilities are scarce (as in Great Britain) it is best employed in patients with negative or non-contributory radiculography

This paper presents four patients with injuries to the thoracolumbar spine assessed by computerised tomography. This technique enabled an easy, quick and accurate diagnosis to be made, avoiding dangerous manipulation of the patient. The scans were analysed using the anatomical classification of Louis to evaluate the instability of the lesions. Control CT scans were used to monitor progress and to provide an accurate prognosis within acceptable limits of irradiation

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

In the necropsy material presented there were, among 100 spinal injuries occurring during the past eight years, twelve in juveniles up to eighteen years of age. In all cases, the growth zone of the cartilaginous end-plate of the spine was fractured. The special histological architecture of the growth zones with their loosened fibrous lamellae might play a decisive role in the localisation of the lesions. The clinical importance of this type of injury and the radiological findings are discussed

The pre-operative lumbar spine radiographs of 200 consecutive patients who had undergone discectomy for prolapsed intervertebral disc were reviewed. Prolapse was recognized as bulging or sequestration of the disc with consequent root compromise. Measurement of the lumbar level of the interiliac line was shown to correlate with the level of disc prolapse and the incidence of transitional vertebrae at the lumbosacral junction was significantly higher than normal. A pathological value for the lumbosacral angle could not be identified

Fourteen patients with ankylosing spondylitis had an extension osteotomy for severe flexion deformity of the spine. The Smith-Petersen technique was modified by using a compression device which allows a slow, finely controlled closure of the osteotomy, and provides rigid internal fixation. There were no serious neurological complications. All the patients were able to see straight ahead after operation, and all had solid fusion at nine months, having maintained good correction

In 139 patients with burst fractures of the thoracic, thoracolumbar or lumbar spine, the least sagittal diameter of the spinal canal at the level of injury was measured by computerised tomography. By multiple logistic regression we investigated the joint correlation of the level of the burst fracture and the percentage of spinal canal stenosis with the probability of an associated neurological deficit. There was a very significant correlation between neurological deficit and the percentage of spinal canal stenosis; the higher the level of injury the greater was the probability. The severity of neurological deficit could not be predicted

1 . The incidence of hydatid disease in bone is discussed and the relevant literature reviewed. 2. The parasitology and methods of control are described. 3. The pathology of hydatid disease affecting bone is described. 4. An analysis of fifty-three cases is made showing that the disease commonly occurs in the spine, the long bones, the ribs and scapula, and the pelvis and hip. The treatment and prognosis of each group is discussed. 5. Three cases of hydatid disease of bone occurring in animals are described

Four children are described, each with spontaneous osteonecrosis affecting nearly one-third of the lateral femoral condyle. All the children had a motor and a sensory deficit in the affected limb: two had been previously treated for neuroblastoma of the spine, one for an infected lumbar dermoid cyst and one had spina bifida. We consider that these disorders, singly or in combination, may lead to repeated excessive loading of the lateral femoral condyle, which cannot be appreciated in a knee that is not protected by normal sensation