Modern metal-on-metal hip implants.

This Technology Overview was prepared using systematic review methodology and summarizes the findings of studies published as of July 15, 2011, on modern metal-on-metal hip implants. Analyses conducted on outcomes by two joint registries indicate that patients who receive metal-on-metal total hip arthroplasty (THA) and hip resurfacing are at greater risk for revision than are patients who receive THA using a different bearing surface combination. Data from these registries also indicate that larger femoral head components have higher revision rates and risk of revision and that older age is associated with increased revision risks of large-head metal-on-metal THA.

Failure of the modular neck in a total hip arthroplasty.

Modular femoral necks in total hip arthroplasty are promoted as giving the surgeon more options during surgery and as being safe. We report a case of fatigue fracture in the modular neck of a femoral implant 3 1/2 years after implantation. The probable design errors leading to product failure are discussed.

Two unusual presentations of pyogenic sacroiliitis.

Two cases of sacroiliac joint infection with abscess formation are described. The abscesses dissected through fascial planes into the lower leg in both cases and also proximally into the paraspinals in one case. Both patients survived following extensive surgical drainage and appropriate antibiotic treatment.

True aneurysm of a thumb digital artery.

A true aneurysm of the ulnar digital artery of the thumb was treated by ligation and resection. The patient's symptoms were relieved. Bowler 's neuroma of the thumb was considered to be the most likely preoperative diagnosis.

Surgical correction of thumb deformity in arthrogryposis multiplex congenita.

Four patients underwent surgical correction of five thumb deformities due to arthrogryposis. Although varying degrees of deformity were present, all exhibited adduction contracture, laxity of the ulnar collateral ligament at the metacarpophalangeal joint and absence of the abductor pollicis brevis. Techniques for release of the adduction contracture included Z-plasties or a local flap.

Biochemical heterogenity of the left ventricular myocardium: transmural and base-apex gradients on H.E.P. contents of the well oxygenated perfused dog heart.

An investigation into the contents (mumol/g w.w.) of the creatine phosphate (CP) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) of various myocardial regions was performed on the empty beating isolated blood perfused dog heart.