[The value of combining multiple screwed plates in humeral shaft fractures]. / De l'intérêt à synthéser par plaque vissée bon nombre de fractures de la diaphyse humérale. A propos de 246 synthèses.

The authors have reviewed 246 fresh fractures of the shaft of the humerus treated by primary plating over a period of 22 years. It has been customary to treat the majority of fractures of the shaft of the humerus by conservative means, with use of open reduction and fixation by a plate for complicated fractures with associated injuries, or in cases of nonunion. Over the period of review the authors have gradually increasing their use of primary plating as opposed to the traditional methods. They fell that the reliability of union, together with the early mobilisation and return of the arm to normal function, favours the use of this method. Their opinion is based on a careful analysis of their results.

The operative treatment of intraarticular calcaneal fractures. Indications, technique, and results in 257 cases.

Since 1972, 257 intraarticular fractures of the calcaneus have been treated with operative intervention. A lateral incision and a third tubular plate were used in all cases. The functional results were considered excellent or good in 85%, and there was an infection rate of 2.7%. Although 50% of patients showed a reduced mobility of the subtalar joint, pain and limited ambulation were rare. Only six patients required a late subtalar arthrodesis.

[Strangulated retrocostoxiphoid hernia. Review of the published literature and report on two cases (author's transl)]. / Les hernies rétro-costo-xiphoïdiennes étranglées: Revue de la littérature à propos de deux cas.

Two cases of strangulated retrocostoxiphoid hernia (Morgagni-Larrey hernias) are reported. This is a relatively rare complication, as only 66 cases have been reported, and it has a poor prognosis. The clinical picture includes three main symptomatological groups: occlusion of the colon, gastric volvulus, and small intestine occlusion. Radiological examination of the lungs by frontal and profile films is usually sufficient to establish the diagnosis rapidly, and whether surgery is indicated. In some cases, however, the symptoms are such that opacification with water soluble agents is required. Reduction of the visceral hernia and closure of the orifice is carried out after laparotomy, resection of viscera being rarely required.