A prospective randomised clinical trial was undertaken to compare biodegradable polyglycolic acid pins with standard Kirschner wires used to fix displaced elbow fractures in children. Twenty-four children were enrolled in the trial; 14 had fractures of the lateral condyle of the humerus, eight of the medial epicondyle and two had olecranon fractures. Eleven fractures were fixed with Kirschner wires and 13 with polyglycolic acid pins. Fracture union with full function occurred in all cases within six months. Kirschner wires caused problems including infection in three cases, soft-tissue ossification in one and they required removal under general anaesthesia in nine cases. No such complications occurred with polyglycolic acid pins but one patient in this group developed avascular necrosis and premature fusion of the medial epicondyle.

Upper femoral osteotomy is a recognised treatment for selected patients with Perthes' disease. The results of this procedure were investigated at skeletal maturity in 44 patients (48 hips). The indication for operation was Catterall group II, III, and IV hips with 'head-at-risk' signs. Harris and Iowa scores were calculated clinically, and each hip was assigned radiographically to one of the five Stulberg classes, its initial Catterall grading checked and other relevant indices measured. Results showed excellent clinical function. Shortening was present in 14 hips (29%) and a positive Trendelenburg's sign was seen in 12 (25%). On radiographic assessment 58% of hips were Stulberg class I or II, with a good prognosis. The results of femoral osteotomy were better than those for conservatively treated hips in all age groups except those under five years.

The results of a prospective controlled trial of early mobilisation of Colles' fractures in the elderly are presented. Early mobilisation produced less pain and a stronger grip. It did not lead to any greater loss of reduction of the fracture. However, there was no significant improvement in the final range of movement of the wrist. Immobilisation of the wrist for six weeks in plaster is extremely inconvenient for the elderly living alone and the patients greatly appreciated the reduction of this period of time to a minimum.