Patellar tendon-to-patella ratio in children.

Patellofemoral problems are common in skeletally immature patients. In the evaluation of this condition, it is important to determine the position of the patella on lateral radiographs. There are no normal values to determine this ratio (patellar tendon-to-patella ratio). In this study, 225 anteroposterior (AP) and lateral radiographs of skeletally immature knees were examined and bone ages determined. The patellar tendon-to-patella ratio was then calculated for each age group until skeletal maturity. These ratios allow a more accurate assessment of patella alta in the pediatric population, assisting in diagnosis and surgical planning.

An unusual cause of thigh pain after total hip arthroplasty.

The aim of total hip arthroplasty surgery is to relieve pain. There are many postulated causes of thigh pain following total hip arthroplasty, some of which are not easily corrected. Muscle hernia as a result of hip surgery is a cause of thigh pain that is disabling, relatively easy to diagnose, and may be preventable.

The Herbert bone screw: a ten year perspective.

It is now over ten years since the Herbert bone screw was first released in Australia. In 1984, Herbert and Fisher first published their experience with the use of this new bone screw in the management of scaphoid fractures. Since that time, there has been a growing interest in the technique and over 60 articles have appeared in the English literature. The purpose of this paper is to review and comment on the relevant publications as they relate to the biomechanical properties of the screw, to its use in the management of scaphoid fractures and to other applications in surgery of the hand.

Fracture of the proximal phalanx. An unusual complication of pulley reconstruction in a child.

We report a case of a fracture occurring in the proximal phalanx of a child following pulley reconstruction. The operative technique and the difficulties of pulley reconstruction in the immature skeleton are discussed.