[The Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology of the University Clinics of Brussels, Erasme Hospital]. / Le Service d'Orthopédie-Traumatologie des Cliniques Universitaires de Bruxelles, hôpital Erasme.

On the occasion of the thirty years since its inauguration, the Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology of the University Hospital Erasme reviews the milestones of its development. Various original new techniques have been implemented: monitoring of implants using strain gauges, external fixation of the limbs, external minifixation, miniinvasive anterior approach in hip arthroplasty, knee ligamentoplasties, orthopaedic microsurgery and composite tissue allotransplantation. The care of aged patients takes place in close collaboration with the Department of Geriatrics. Two new clinical units have been created, the Unit of Hand and Peripheral Nerve Surgery, and the Centre for Sports. The Department has organized an efficient Bone Bank. The new day care hospital improves the possibilities of ambulatory surgery. The article details as well the activities of teaching and research of the members of the Department.

[Treatment of severe proximal humeral fractures by proximal nailing (Telegraph). A prospective preliminary study]. / Traitement des fractures complexes de l'humérus proximal par enclouage verrouillé (Telegraph). Résultats d'une étude prospective préliminaire.

Treatment of complex fractures of the proximal humerus is still controversial. This prospective study was designed to evaluate the results of open reduction and proximal nailing in complex fractures of the proximal humerus. Fifteen patients aged 39 to 83 years (average: 59 years) presenting severely displaced fractures of the proximal humerus were observed after open reduction and fixation by proximal nailing (Telegraph) combined with screwing and/or osteosuture of the tuberosities. The patients were evaluated at one year clinically and radiologically. The Constant score, DASH score and Simple Shoulder Test were calculated. Complementarily, patients were submitted to an isokinetic test. At one year follow-up, the average range of motion was 85 degrees (40 degrees-170 degrees) for elevation, 82 degrees (40 degrees-170 degrees) for abduction, L3 for internal rotation and 34 degrees (10-60 degrees) for external rotation. The average visual analog score was 3 points (0-8 points). The Constant score varied from 17 to 92 points (average: 48 points). Isokinetic evaluation showed mostly a strength deficit in abduction even for patients presenting an excellent result. Functional results were related to the quality of the surgical reduction but also to patients' collaboration. Various treatment methods for complex fracture of the proximal humerus are reported in the literature. When a nearly anatomical reduction is achieved, the here-described method of open reduction and proximal nailing permits to obtain good functional results in most patients. This option should be considered for young patients and even in the elderly where results are comparable to that obtained with hemiarthroplasty in the same condition.

[Total hip arthroplasty by mini-approach: review of literature and experience of direct anterior approach on orthopaedic table]. / Arthroplastie totale de hanche par mini abord: revue de la littérature et expérience de la voie antérieure directe sur table orthopédique.

In addition to the choice of the surgical approach, the respective place of the mini-incisions and mini-invasive surgery for total hip arthroplasty (THA) remains a controversial topic. The purpose of this study was to specify the advantages and disadvantages of these different approaches by a systematic review of the orthopedic literature and by our experience of the first 100 THA implanted by mini-invasive direct anterior approach (DAA) on orthopedic table. Selecting 15 orthopedic journals, we found 252 articles among which 65 are particularly relevant; 25 correspond to randomized studies. Mini-invasive approaches permit to obtain results at least equivalent to standard approaches with regard to operative time, general complications and adequate component positioning. Contrarily to posterior approach, DAA is associated to a low dislocation rate, even in so-called "at risks patients". Recent randomized studies highlight an earlier functional recovery in patients treated by mini-invasive approaches and particularly by DAA. This advantage seems to persist only the first six weeks but it could be interesting to patients avid to resume quickly their activities. Nevertheless, further studies are mandatory to confirm the observed results and to specify the place of the mini-invasive approaches with regard to early recovery as long-term results.

A 'made in one piece' skeleton in a 22-year-old man suffering from sickle cell anaemia.

A 22-year-old African male with known sickle cell anaemia was referred by a Congolese medical centre with a request to improve his poor physical condition. He was unable to walk, stand or sit because his large joints and his spine were either ankylosed or very rigid. Radiographs showed joint fusion from the third to the fifth cervical vertebrae, of both hips, of the left knee, and a bilateral osteonecrosis of the humeral head. There was no scintigraphic evidence for an active osteomyelitis (99mTc-MDP (methyldiphosphonate) bone scan, Tc monoclonal antigranulocyte scan and 99mTc sulphur colloid scan). To improve his mobility the right femoral head was resected in June 1997; 14 days later the left femoral head was resected. Four months after the resection of the right hip, a right uncemented total hip prosthesis was implanted on this side. One month later the same type of hip arthroplasty was performed on the left side. During the postoperative rehabilitation period the patient regained autonomy. We have found no previous reports of such severe and multiple joint complications in a single patient suffering from sickle cell anaemia.