Treatment of infected tibial pseudarthrosis by external fixation with the Wagner device.

We analyzed our experience with infected tibial pseudoarthrosis which resulted in a therapeutic plan for a radical operation or a step-by-step method, depending on the type of pseudarthrosis (PS), the severity of the infection, and the skin damage. We think that external fixation with the Wagner device is the procedure of choice. Owing to its simplicity and good stability, it is possible to treat the PS and the infection and to obtain good final results.

New plate for lateral translation in valgus intertrochanteric osteotomy (CUN plate).

A new plate is presented for internal fixation of valgus intertrochanteric osteotomy. This plate enables a controlled translation, permits dynamic compression of the osteotomy line and eludes some of the complications involved in the use of other double-angle plates. The morphological characteristics of the plate as well as its technical and surgical aspects are described.

Aseptic diaphyseal pseudarthrosis: treatment by rigid internal fixation.

The authors define their concepts with regard to nonunion of fractures and study the possible causes of aseptic diaphyseal pseudarthrosis in the 182 cases in their casuistics. They have found that the indication for osteosynthesis was incorrect in 34% of the cases and when it was correct, the technique was poor in 58%. The authors conclude that the risk of nonunion in fractures and nonconsolidation of pseudarthrosis can be minimished if there is: (1) correct indication with respect to type and level of fracture or pseudarthrosis; (2) choice of an appropriate internal fixation method; and (3) good achievement of the selected osteosynthesis.

[The influence of age on the end-results of the total surgical replacement of the hip].

A revision of the first 700 total hip prostheses (operated on in the period 1969-1980) is carried out with the purpose to establish the influence of the age on the evolution of the arthroplasty. The results are very satisfactory but it is younger patients that complications related to loosening are more frequent. This fact can be explained by a longer period of evolution and a major prosthetic stress in these patients.