De la Caffinière arthroplasty for basal thumb joint osteoarthritis.

We performed 20 de la Caffinière trapeziometacarpal arthroplasties for osteoarthritis occurring only at this joint and reviewed all patients after periods of up to ten years. Eighteen arthroplasties were satisfactory postoperatively, although all 20 patients had a satisfactory range of motion and only one experienced pain after surgery such that it impeded normal function. Failure occurred in two patients and was due to overreaming of the trapezium during surgery and a traumatic dislocation. A radiolucency between the prosthesis and bone was observed in one arthroplasty, although this patient was asymptomatic. We recommend arthroplasty using the de la Caffinière prosthesis as a satisfactory method of treatment for the osteoarthritic trapeziometacarpal joint.

Dislocation of total hip replacements. A comparative study of standard, long posterior wall and augmented acetabular components.

Augmentation of the acetabular component of total hip replacements is a method of increasing stability and preventing recurrent dislocation. We report a series of mechanical experiments designed to evaluate the turning moments and angles required to dislocate standard, long posterior wall and two different augmented prostheses.

Analysis of fractures treated in the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast, in 1972, with special reference to gunshot wounds and bomb blast injuries.

The total number of patients admitted to the Fracture unit in the Royal Victoria Hospital in 1972 is recorded and classified according to cause. Fractures resulting from gunshot wounds and bomb injuries are examined more closely together with associated injuries and complications. These groups are compared briefly with the open fractures resulting from road traffic accidents. Treatment of fractures in gunshot wounds and bomb injuries is discussed. Reference is made to the mechanisms of injury by gunshot and explosions.