Some epidemiological data on oral clefts in the northern Netherlands, 1981-1988.

Cleft lip with or without cleft palate [CL(P)] has a high prevalence [corrected] in the northern Netherlands. Several epidemiological parameters for oral clefts, including both CL(P) and cleft palate (CP), were analysed and compared with the literature. Except for the high prevalence at birth of isolated CL(P) no major differences in the pattern of occurrence described elsewhere were found. So far, descriptive epidemiological studies have not given any insight into the aetiology of this high CL(P) prevalence [corrected] in the Northern Netherlands. Therefore, case control studies on possible risk factors have been initiated.

[A bilateral hand replantation]. / Een dubbelzijdige handreplantatie.

We describe a patient whose both hands were amputated at the level of the wrist in an accident with a farm machine. Both hand were replanted. In spite of an extremely severe injury and consequently a bad prognostic situation an acceptable functional result was obtained. This patient is capable of performing his daily activities reasonably well. He can also ride a bicycle and drive his car.

A cryptic cause of monarthritis in the hand: the juxta-articular osteoid osteoma.

Three patients with an isolated arthritis in the hand are described. All three had long-term complaints and had undergone surgery before presenting in our clinic. The cause of arthritis, in all three patients, was a juxta-articular osteoid osteoma. In one patient the diagnosis was established by a plain X-ray. Additional radiological studies were necessary to arrive at the diagnosis in another patient, while in the third no preoperative diagnosis could be made, despite extensive investigations. Treatment consisted of curetting the nidus.

Cylindroma of the scalp.

A patient is presented with a large dermal cylindroma of the whole scalp. The origin of the tumor from sweat glands has been well accepted, but it is still not clear whether the tumor arises from the eccrine or the apocrine glands. Differential diagnosis and surgical treatment are discussed together with the typical clinical and pathological features of this tumor.

The Orticochea dynamic pharyngoplasty.

A description of the Orticochea dynamic sphincter pharyngoplasty is given and the results of its use over a period of eight years in 53 patients are presented. Improvement in nasal escape was found in 47 of these, of whom 20 lost all their escape. This compares with other published series and supports the original author's claims. The technique has significant advantages over other pharyngoplasties.