Telford's operation for primary palmar hyperhidrosis.

Bilateral upper dorsal sympathectomy via the supraclavicular approach was performed in 42 patients for palmar hyperhidrosis. In 16 patients (32 extremities) the effect of sympathectomy on digital circulation was evaluated objectively, in comparison with that of 15 control subjects. Mean values of finger temperature and of digital systolic pressure increased by 6.9 degrees C and 36 mmHg respectively after operation, whereas an increase of digital blood flow and a decrease of the time of the clearance of 99mTc by approximately 60% were recorded. Differences between preoperative and postoperative values and those of controls were statistically significant. Clinical results of treatment remain satisfactory after a mean follow-up period of thirty-two months with no case of recurrence. Permanent decrease of plantar hyperhidrosis was recorded by 14 patients. The advantages of Telford's operation over other methods of upper extremity sympathetic denervation are discussed.

Muscular abnormalities affecting the popliteal vessels.

Forty-five cases in 33 patients of congenital muscular abnormalities causing vascular compression in the popliteal fossa are reported. Three main types of abnormality were distinguished. In the first, one muscle, either the medial head of gastrocnemius or the plantaris, is abnormal. In the second, both these muscles contribute to the problem, whereas in the third type, the semi-membranosus also is abnormal. In some cases an abnormal course of the popliteal vessel(s) is also found. With only a few exceptions, cases reported in the literature fit into this classification. Twelve patients in this series were affected bilaterally but only 5 had the same anatomy in both legs. In only 14 instances, either with thrombosis or with characteristic shifting of the artery, was routine arteriography sufficient for diagnosis; loss of distal pulses during active plantar flexion was necessary in the majority to demonstrate the abnormality. It is suggested that the condition is more common than has been thought.

Subclavian and axillary vein compression of musculoskeletal origin.

Twenty instances of subclavian-axillary vein compression of musculoskeletal origin in 14 patients are reported. In 9 thrombosis had occurred and in the remainder the compression was intermittent. The cause appeared to be extraluminar factors such as the subclavius muscle, the scalenus anterior, the pectoralis minor and a malunited fracture of the clavicle. Ten cases were treated surgically with satisfactory results.