We compared the mechanical properties of carbon fibre composite bone plates with those of stainless steel and titanium. The composite plates have less stiffness with good fatigue properties. Tissue culture and small animal implantation confirmed the biocompatibility of the material. We also present a preliminary report on the use of the carbon fibre composite plates in 40 forearm fractures. All fractures united, 67% of them showing radiological remodelling within six months. There were no refractures or mechanical failures, but five fractures showed an unexpected reaction; this is discussed.

A protocol for the treatment of subacute haematogenous osteomyelitis has been used and evaluated in 71 children. A group of 26 children with a radiologically "aggressive" lesion had biopsy followed by antibiotics and immobilisation for six weeks. A group of 45 children with 48 cavities in the metaphysis or the epiphysis or both was further subdivided according to the presence or absence of clinical signs of pus at subperiosteal level or in a joint. Children with evidence of pus had operation followed by antibiotics and immobilisation while the remaining children were treated similarly but without operation. Intravenous cloxacillin or flucloxacillin and benzylpenicillin were given in hospital for 48 hours and oral antibiotics and immobilisation were then continued at home for six weeks. Staphylococcus aureus was the only pathogen cultured. In all, 91% were cured by a single course of treatment. Of the 48 metaphysial and epiphysial lesions, 77% were treated without operation; and of these, 87% were cured by a single course of treatment, this figure reaching 94% in children under 11 years old.

Sixty-two children were reviewed between 3 and 14 years (average 9.8 years) after flexor tenotomy for curly toes or hammer toes. No patients were aware of loss of flexor power in the toes. In only 5% of 188 toes was the operation unsuccessful. When the cause of failure was identifiable it proved to be that the scar crossed one or more flexor creases. None of the operated toes had an abnormally extended posture; only one toe was stiff and this resulted from tethering by a scar. It is concluded that open flexor tenotomy is an effective method for correcting curly toes and hammer toes in childhood. Pre-operative assessment must demonstrate that the resting length of the flexor tendons is unduly short, and that this shortening is the only cause of the deformity.