Role of dynamic external fixator in the management of fractures of distal end of radius.

The intra-articular fracture of radius has been an enigma for orthopaedic surgeons since time immemorial. It is a dilemma as to when to use the fixator, when to mobilise after fixator or simply treat it by conservative means. Numerous fixators are in vogue depending on the preference of the surgeon--in the present prospective study the results of dynamic external fixator--which, based on the principle of ligamentotaxis, were evaluated over a 3-year period and the results showed that although excellent radiological results were seen in 90% of the cases yet only 75% of the cases had a excellent functional result.

Arthroscopic evaluation of refractory knee pain.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the conditions of the articular cartilage and other intra-articular structures in patients with refractory knee pain. A total of 50 patients were taken up for this study based on specific inclusion criteria. Arthroscopy was done using a 30 degrees scope and was introduced most commonly via anterolateral approach after a thorough clinical and radiological evaluation of the affected joint. It was observed that majority (76%) had grade I articular lesion and 10% had grade IV lesion. Arthroscopically 78% of the patients had a meniscal tear while 12% had cyst of lateral meniscus while clinically, meniscal tear was present in 22% of the cases and cyst in 2% cases only. Arthroscopy also detects other intra-articular lesions, which are missed clinically, thus modifying further management of the patient.

Giant cell tumour of talus with osteosarcomatous transformation in a young male: a case report.

A case of osteosarcomatous transformation in a benign giant cell tumour is described. Spontaneous malignant transformation is rare in a giant cell tumour with only 17 cases reported in the literature till date. In addition, a giant cell tumour arising in the bones of the hands and feet is in itself a rarity. In this instance the lesion presented in the talus of the left ankle in a 13 year old male.

Hip instability in newborns in an urban community.

BACKGROUND. It is important to recognize congenital dislocation of the hip early so that it can be treated effectively and secondary changes prevented. There is little data on the incidence of this condition in India and we, therefore, studied this problem in a large maternity and paediatric centre in New Delhi. METHODS. Six thousand and twenty-nine consecutive newborns were examined for neonatal hip instability by an orthopaedic surgeon and a paediatrician. Clinical examination was supplemented by X-ray and ultrasonographic examination. RESULTS. One hundred and forty-eight hips in one hundred and thirteen newborns (18.7 per 1000 live-births) were found to be unstable at first examination. Of these 12.1 per 1000 live-births had subluxatable hips and 0.82 per 1000 had dislocated hips. Those affected were more likely to be females, have involvement of the left hip and have had a breech presentation. One hundred and twenty-eight hips in 97 children had stabilized within 2 weeks, although no definite progress to stability was observed in subluxatable, dislocatable or dislocated hips. Two children who had other congenital abnormalities initially required operation, but the hips in all the other children stabilized within 20 weeks of birth with conservative treatment. CONCLUSION. Neonatal hip instability is common in New Delhi and a screening programme should be initiated to detect its incidence in other parts of India.