Fasciocutaneous flaps for lower extremity wounds.

The use of fasciocutaneous flaps to cover soft tissue defects of the lower leg following trauma, is discussed in this article. Our experience with 15 cases is presented. There have been no complications. We feel that fasciocutaneous flaps are a safe and reliable method for the management of difficult wounds of the lower leg.

Acute ruptures of the cruciate ligaments: outcome of primary repair.

In the years 1977 to 1984, 56 patients underwent primary suture of acutely ruptured cruciate ligaments. Thirty-six (64.3 per cent) were regarded as excellent or good results and 20 (35.7 per cent) were regarded as fair or poor results. It is concluded that this is a satisfactory method of treatment and that this will reduce the number needing a late reconstructive operation.

The management of local complications of total hip replacement by the McKee-Farrar technique.

One thousand and forty-two McKee-Farrar prostheses of the present design inserted in Norwich from January 1965 to December 1972 have been reviewed retrospectively to determine the incidence of complications needing revision. Of prostheses implanted for more than two years, 6-6 per cent needed revision for loosening (cup 3-5 per cent; stem 2-2 per cent; both components 0-9 per cent). Of the total number, 2-3 per cent became infected and 1-9 per cent dislocated. Most dislocations needed only a single closed reduction but 0-8 per cent were revised. The outcome of revision operations was also assessed. Of revisions for loosening, 40 per cent needed no further operation but 23 per cent required excision; pelvic fracture or bone destruction around the components made success unlikely. Revisions for dislocation were disappointing. Of all revisions 17 per cent became infected. Excision arthroplasty is better than a series of failed revisions in an elderly patient.