1. Prehension is a complex mechanism for which both movement and sensation are required. 2. Two basic grips are considered: the digital pinch and palmar grasp, which are simpler expressions of the precision grip and the power grip. For the digital pinch the minimum requirement is a thumb or a reconstructed thumb, and a finger to which it can oppose. For palmar grasp mobile fingers are necessary so that they can wrap round the object grasped. 3. The restoration of prehension is considered under the following headings: mutilation of the fingers; mutilation of the thumb; and mutilation of both together. 4. The various methods of reconstruction are described that are appropriate to each type of mutilation, so as to provide restoration of length, mobility and sensation. 5. The indications for the various main methods to compensate for loss of the thumb are discussed. These methods include pollicisation and osteoplastic repair with neurovascular island flap

1. Certain macroscopical and microscopical features of the tendo calcaneus of the rabbit are described and illustrated, and the vascularisation as revealed by Spalteholz clearing is presented. 2. The vessels of the epitenon are chiefly derived from proximal and distal sources. 3. The vessels of the paratenon are derived from the main arteries of the leg. 4. The two vascular systems are largely independent of each other except along one edge of the tendon by way of a mesotenon. 5. The paratenon, epitenon and mesotenon and the related vessels are comparable to those found in tendons with synovial sheaths. By inference and from evidence obtained by dissection on the living human subject it is suggested that the arrangements are similar in the human tendo calcaneus. 6. Considerable friction develops on movement between the surfaces of the paratenon and epitenon. This might be significant in pathological states of the human tendon

1. Six cases of posterior dislocation of the shoulder are described. 2. In four cases the diagnosis was made on clinical grounds. 3. The important clinical signs are the adducted and medially rotated position of the arm, a hard mass posteriorly below the acromion representing the displaced humeral head, and limitation of movement, especially abduction and lateral rotation. 4. In two cases the dislocation was not recognised at the first examination. This confirms the statement of previous authors that posterior dislocation is easily missed. 5. The value of the vertical projection in the radiography of suspected posterior dislocation is emphasised. 6. Reduction was accomplished without difficulty in five cases and the subsequent progress of these was uneventful. In the remaining case reduction was difficult and unstable, and the final recovery incomplete. It is considered that this patient would have been better treated by early open reduction

We performed a prospective, randomised study on 110 patients more than 50 years old with fractures of the distal radius to compare the outcome of conservative treatment with that using remodellable bone cement (Norian skeletal repair system, SRS) and immobilisation in a cast for two weeks. Patients treated with SRS had less pain and earlier restoration of movement and grip strength. The results at one year were satisfactory in 81.54% of the SRS patients and 55.55% of the control group. The rates of malunion were 18.2% and 41.8%, respectively. There was a significant relationship between the functional and radiological results. Soft-tissue extrusion was present initially in 69.1% of the SRS patients; most deposits disappeared progressively, but persisted in 32.73% at one year. We conclude that the injection of a remodellable bone cement into the trabecular defect of fractures of the distal radius provides a better clinical and radiological result than conventional treatment

We report the results in 33 patients who had nerve grafting of the axillary or the suprascapular nerve or of both. There were 32 men and one woman; their mean age was 21 years and the average interval between injury and operation was three months. At a mean follow-up of 27 months, the deltoid had recovered to M3 or better in 23 of 30 patients (77%) and the infraspinatus in 18 of 25 patients (72%). Shoulder elevation had reached 120° or more in 27 patients (82%), with external rotation of 30° or more in 27 (82%). Twenty-six patients (79%) could reach to the top of their head with their hand. Recovery of muscle strength, range of movement and shoulder function were satisfactory when surgery was performed within four months of the injury. Early exploration and nerve grafting can lead to a good functional recovery, but thorough exploration and careful repair of both nerves are essential

Three palmar wrist ligaments from fresh human cadavers were dissected from the proximal to the distal insertions and stained to identify the mechanoreceptors. Golgi organs, Pacinian corpuscles, Ruffini endings and free nerve endings were present in all three ligaments. In the radial collateral and radiolunate ligaments they were found in increased density towards the proximal and distal insertions. A more uniform distribution was found in the radioscaphocapitate ligament which has attachments to three bones. The palmar wrist ligaments may have a significant sensory role in maintaining the stability of the wrist and in controlling its movement. Although technically difficult, the surgical repair of traumatic wrist defects should attempt to preserve the innervation of the ligaments, shown to be mainly near bony attachments. This may allow improvement in postoperative outcomes by preserving some proprioception. In some painful post-traumatic or degenerative conditions, however, denervation may be advantageous

Aims

We analyzed the acetabular morphology of Crowe type IV hips using CT data to identify a landmark for the ideal placement of the centre of the acetabular component, as assessed by morphometric geometrical analysis, and its reliability.

We have described a method of anatomical reconstruction of the lateral ligaments of the ankles with instability using allogeneic fascia lata dried with solvents and sterilised with gamma irradiation. Twenty ankles of 20 patients were assessed objectively and subjectively after a mean follow-up of 4.2 years (3.1 to 10). The result was excellent in 12 (60%), good in seven (35%) and fair in one (5%); none had a poor result. Stress radiography showed that the angle of talar tilt improved from 12.3 ± 4.2° (mean ±. sd. ) to 5.9 ± 3.0° and that the anterior drawer distance decreased from 9.2 ± 3.9 mm to 4.4 ± 2.5 mm. Neither infection nor limitation of movement occurred after operation. Fascia lata allografts provide a good alternative to autogenous grafts such as the peroneus brevis tendon

We treated 22 children (28 limbs) with diplegic cerebral palsy who were able to walk by the Baumann procedure for correction of fixed contracture of the gastrosoleus as part of multilevel single-stage surgery to improve gait. The function of the ankle was assessed by clinical examination and gait analysis before and at two years (2.1 to 4.0) after operation. At follow-up the ankle showed an increase in dorsiflexion at initial contact, in single stance and in the swing phase. There was an increase in dorsiflexion at initial push-off without a decrease in the range of movement of the ankle, and a significant improvement in the maximum flexor moment in the ankle in the second half of single stance. There was also a change from abnormal generation of energy in mid-stance to the normal pattern of energy absorption. Positive work during push-off was significantly increased. Lengthening of the gastrocnemius fascia by the Baumann procedure improved the function of the ankle significantly, and did not result in weakening of the triceps surae. We discuss the anatomical and mechanical merits of the procedure

We report our experience over seven years with a floating radial-head prosthesis for acute fractures of the radial head and the complications which may result from such injury. The prosthesis has an integrated articulation which allows change of position during movement of the elbow. We present the results in 12 patients with a minimum follow-up of two years. Five prostheses had been implanted shortly after injury with an average follow-up of 49 months and seven for the treatment of sequelae with an average follow-up of 43 months. All prostheses have performed well with an improved functional score (modified from Broberg and Morrey 1986). We have not experienced any of the complications previously reported with silicone radial-head replacement. Our initial results suggest that the prosthesis may be suitable for the early or delayed treatment of Mason type-III fractures and more complex injuries involving the radial head

We have carried out prosthetic reconstruction in six patients with malignant or aggressively benign bone tumours of the distal tibia or fibula. The diagnoses were osteosarcoma in four patients, parosteal osteosarcoma in one and recurrent giant-cell tumour in one. Five tumours were in the distal tibia and one in the distal fibula. The mean duration of follow-up was 5.3 years (2.0 to 7.1). Reconstruction was achieved using custom-made, hinged prostheses which replaced the distal tibia and the ankle. The mean range of ankle movement after operation was 31° and the joints were stable. The average functional score according to the system of the International Society of Limb Salvage was 24.2 and five of the patients had a good outcome. Complications occurred in two with wound infection and talar collapse. All patients were free from neoplastic disease at the latest follow-up. Prosthetic reconstruction may be used for the treatment of malignant tumours of the distal tibia and fibula in selected patients

Adult human cadaver pelves were tested to determine micromotion at the prosthesis-bone interface in cementless hemispherical acetabular components during simulated single-limb stance. The micromotion of non-press-fit components with screw fixation in response to cyclic loads to a maximum of 1500N was compressive (interface closing) at the superior iliac rim and distractive (interface opening) at the inferior ischial rim; that of press-fit components was compressive all around the acetabular rim regardless of screw fixation. Adding screws to the component decreased the micromotion at the site of the screw, but sometimes increased it at the opposite side. Two dome screws with the press-fit component decreased the micromotion at the superior iliac rim but at the inferior ischial rim there was either no change or increased movement. A press-fit cup shows less micromotion than a non-press-fit cup with screw fixation. The addition of screws to a press-fit cup does not necessarily increase the initial stability

We made a prospective study of 241 Charnley total hip replacements performed between 1968 and 1974. In 1990, we reviewed 92 patients with 103 hips (96.3% of surviving hips) at a mean follow-up of 17.6 years (15 to 20.6) The clinical results were excellent, with Charnley scores of 4 or more for pain in 95% of the patients, for function in 73% and for movement in 93%. Of the whole series, 8.3% had been revised, and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed a probability of revision at 20 years of 10.7%. These results are similar to those from the few other series with extended follow-up, and make it difficult to justify the present widespread use of uncemented hip prostheses. It would seem that some aspects of the design of the first-generation Charnley stem were beneficial for long-term survival of the arthroplasty. We found no correlation between the clinical results and radiological loosening on the Harris scale

We undertook a prospective study of 61 children in Malawi with septic arthritis of the shoulder. They were randomised into two groups, treated by aspiration (group 1, 31 patients) or arthrotomy (group 2, 30 patients). Both received antibiotics for six weeks. We studied the results of blood tests, microbiology, and the clinical and radiological outcome one year after diagnosis. Only one patient was sickle-cell positive and three were HIV-positive. Non-typhoidal Salmonella species accounted for 86% (19/22) of the positive joint cultures in group 1 and 73% (16/22) in group 2. Of the 33 radiographs available for review at follow-up at six months, 23 (70%) showed evidence of glenohumeral damage. There was no statistical difference in radiological outcome for the two groups. We devised and validated a scoring system, the Blantyre Septic Joint Score, for the assessment of joints based upon swelling, tenderness, function and range of movement. Despite the radiological changes only one of the 24 joints examined at one year had any deficit in these parameters. There was no statistical difference in the clinical outcome for the two treatment groups at any stage during the period of follow-up

The mechanism of the pivot shift was investigated by analysing movements under valgus torque in 29 fresh cadaveric knees. The movements were measured in three dimensions, using biplanar photography, when all the ligaments were intact, and then after the ligaments were sequentially divided. When only the anterior cruciate ligament was sectioned, the pivot shift occurred in seven out of 20 knees examined. In the other 13, though the pivot shift was not observed, an abnormal internal rotation occurred at between 10 degrees and 50 degrees of flexion. Division of the iliotibial tract in addition to division of the anterior cruciate ligament stopped the pivot shift, as the tibia remained internally rotated throughout the range of flexion. The axis of rotation of the pivot shift was located at the medial collateral ligament, which was kept tight by the applied valgus torque. The sudden movement in the pivot shift was caused by a complex interaction between the geometry of the knee and the valgus torque applied

Lack of full extension of the elbow is a common abnormality in patients with achondroplasia. We studied 23 patients (41 elbows) clinically and radiologically. Extension of the elbow was assessed clinically and the angle of posterior bowing of the distal humerus was measured from lateral radiographs. There was limited extension of the elbow in 28 (68.3%) and the mean loss of extension was 13.1°. Posterior bowing of the humerus was seen in all elbows with a mean angle of 17.0°. There was a positive correlation between these two measurements. Posterior bowing greater than 20° caused a loss of full elbow extension. Posterior dislocation of the radial head was seen in nine elbows (22.0%). The mean loss of extension of the elbows was 28.7° which was significantly greater than that of these elbows in which the head was not dislocated (8.7°), although posterior bowing was not significantly different between these two groups (19.3° and 16.3°). Posterior bowing of the distal humerus is a principal cause of loss of extension of the elbow. Posterior dislocation of the radial head causes further limitation of movement in the more severely affected joints

Forty-four patients who had undergone 50 capsular arthroplasties for congenital dislocation of the hip were reviewed after a mean follow-up of 20 years. Their average age at operation was 5.9 years; 31 of the operations were undertaken because of late presentation, the remainder because of the failure of previous surgery. In all, 70% of the hips showed good function despite a reduced range of movement, but patients with bilateral arthroplasties fared poorly. Excellent containment within the acetabulum was found in 80%, but the femoral head was always abnormally high though not unduly lateral or medial. This configuration had remained unchanged during follow-up. The accuracy of reduction along the mediolateral axis was the only variable found to influence the outcome significantly. Functional deterioration, associated with pain, was noted to be more common after 20 years than before, and was associated with radiographic evidence of joint degeneration

Thirty-four patients wtih fibrodysplasia (syn., myositis) ossificans progressiva are described. Marked delay in diagnosis was usual, but all had characteristic skeletal malformations and ectopic ossification. The clinical features included: four types of malformation of the big toe, reduction defects of all digits, deafness, baldness of the scalp, and mental retardation. Progression of disability was erratic in all, but severe restriction of movement of the shoulder and spine was usual by the age of 10 years; the hips were usually involved by the age of 20 years; and most patients were confined to a chair by the age of 30 years. Exacerbating factors included trauma to the muscles, biopsy of the lumps, operations to excise ectopic bone, intramuscular injections, careless venepuncture and dental therapy. Progression of disability did not appear to be influenced by any form of medical treatment and therefore management of the patients must concentrate on the avoidance of exacerbating factors

We treated 21 patients with 22 dislocations of the knee by repair or reconstruction of all injured ligaments. Eight knees were treated in the acute phase (less than two weeks after injury); the remainder were treated more than six months after injury (6 to 72). Reconstructions were carried out with a combination of autograft and allograft tendons and by direct ligament repair where possible. At a mean follow-up of 32 months (11 to 77) the mean Lysholm score was 87 (81 to 91) in the acute group and 75 (53 to 100) in the delayed group. The mean Tegner activity rating was 5 in the acute group and 4.4 in the delayed group. The International Knee Documentation Committee assessment revealed no differences between the two groups. Instrumented testing of knee stability indicated better results for anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions which had been undertaken in the acute phase, but no difference in the outcome of posterior cruciate ligament reconstructions. There was no difference in the loss of knee movement between the two groups. Although the differences were small, the outcome in terms of overall knee function, activity levels and anterior tibial translation were better in those knees which had been reconstructed within two weeks of injury

Forty-one arthrodeses of the shoulder in thirty-nine patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis (thirty women, nine men) have been reviewed. Using internal fixation and external splints the position of the shoulder was maintained in 55 degrees of abduction, 25 degrees of horizontal flexion and enough internal rotation to allow the patient to reach the mouth. The mean period of immobilisation in a thoracobrachial splint was nine weeks, and 90 per cent of the shoulders had solid bony fusion at review. After arthrodesis the total range of scapulothoracic movement improved by about 60 per cent, giving results rated as excellent in fifteen cases (36 per cent), as good in thirteen (32 per cent) and as fair in thirteen (32 per cent). Arthrodesis can be recommended as an easy, cheap and reliable method of treating a shoulder which has been severely destroyed by rheumatoid arthritis