[Use of a custom made femoral prosthesis in the treatment of a femoral agenesis].

We describe the management of femoral agenesis in a young adult. Following previous treatment, including limb lengthening by the Ilizarov technique, the patient was left with 30 cm of shortening, a hip fused in abduction and external rotation, an ankylosed knee and an ankle which had been surgically fused. We decided to create a mono-segmental stump, based on a mobile hip, in order to accommodate a suitable prosthesis.

[Arthroplasty of the hip after bone fusion. Report of 13 cases].

The authors have realized this surgical procedure upon 68 patients from 1978 to 1987. The fusion was badly tolerated or initiated a decompensation in the lumbar spine, in the knees, or in the opposite hip. This type of arthroplasty is difficult because the usual anatomical marks are changed and a pre-operative schedule is necessary to restore a satisfactory abductor strength.

[Approach to the dorso-lumbar joint by sub-pleuro-peritoneal route].

The authors expose an access to the dorsal-lumbar spine through sub pleuro-peritoneal way. There are two interesting points to it: - A very wide open access allowing every surgical gesture from D9 to L3 according to the necessities. - The relative mildness of post-operative sequels, regarding the extra serous form of this way.