We present the outcome of the treatment of chronic post-traumatic contractures of the proximal interphalangeal joint by gradual distraction correction using an external fixator. A total of 30 consecutive patients with a mean age of 34 years (17 to 54) had distraction for a mean of 16 days (10 to 22). The fixator was removed after a mean of 29 days (16 to 40). Assessment at a mean of 34 months (18 to 54) after completion of treatment showed that the mean active range of movement had significantly increased by 63° (30° to 90°; p < 0.001). The mean active extension gained was 47° (30° to 75°).

Patients aged less than 40 years fared slightly better with a mean gain in active range of movement of 65° (30° to 90°) compared with those aged more than 40 years, who had a mean gain in active range of movement of 55° (30° to 70°) but the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.148).

The use of joint distraction to correct chronic flexion contracture of the proximal interphalangeal joint is a minimally-invasive and effective method of treatment.

Although the use of constrained cemented arthroplasty to treat distal femoral fractures in elderly patients has some practical advantages over the use of techniques of fixation, concerns as to a high rate of loosening after implantation of these prostheses has raised doubts about their use. We evaluated the results of hinged total knee replacement in the treatment of 54 fractures in 52 patients with a mean age of 82 years (55 to 98), who were socially dependent and poorly mobile.

Within the first year after implantation 22 of the 54 patients had died, six had undergone a further operation and two required a revision of the prosthesis. The subsequent rate of further surgery and revision was low.

A constrained knee prosthesis offers a useful alternative treatment to internal fixation in selected elderly patients with these fractures, and has a high probability of surviving as long as the patient into whom it has been implanted.

We present our experience with correction of Madelung’s deformity by the Ilizarov technique. Seven patients (eight deformities) were treated by osteotomy of the radius with subsequent lengthening and angular correction. They were reviewed at a mean of 30 months (1.5 to 5.5 years). At the time of operation their mean age was 19 years (9 to 44).

At follow-up all were free from pain and supination had improved by a mean of 34° and pronation by 9°. Flexion had increased in most cases with a median increase of 15°, but only one patient gained further extension. Radial and ulnar deviation were increased by a mean of 6° and 9°, respectively. Radiographic measurements showed that the mean volar angulation had been reduced from 25° to 11°, ulnar inclination from 45° to 30° and carpal malalignment (volar translation) from 7 to 2 mm. The mean lengthening of the radius was 12 mm (6 to 25). All the patients were satisfied with the functional and cosmetic results.