The genesis of Perthes' disease: does it lie in hips with reduced ranges of movement?

Noting that Perthes' disease is relatively common in Caucasian British children compared with black African children, this study was carried out to compare the range of hip movements in a series of 100 normal Ghanaian children and 182 normal British children, between 5 and 6 years of age. A significantly increased range of movement was found in the African group in all parameters, (P<0.001).

The epiphyseal tubercle in adolescent hips.

Background: It has already been shown in animals and using anatomical human specimens that chronic slippage of the adolescent upper (capital) femoral epiphysis is unlikely to take place by shearing due to the presence of an epiphyseal tubercle projecting down into the metaphysis.

Material, Results, And Interpretation: Plain radiographs of 20 adolescents and CT scans of 9 of them were analyzed for evidence of the size and presence of this tubercle in vivo. These cases showed that CT scanography is the investigation of choice to illustrate this largely undescribed anatomical feature.

Familial pseudarthrosis of the clavicle: does it need treatment?

The eighth family with multiple cases of congenital pseudarthrosis of the clavicle is described. This usually presents as a clavicular lump and is distinct from more common conditions such as birth fractures, craniocleidal dysostosis and neurofibromatosis. There has so far been no clear indication on whether familial pseudarthrosis of the clavicle should be treated operatively.

Splitting plaster with a scalpel blade: a safe way to allow easy splitting of a plaster.

Introduction: Splitting of a plaster cast is frequently required to accommodate post-operative limb swelling. Oscillating saws are often used but can cause injury and distress and cannot be used when the plaster is drying. At these times plaster shears are used.

Does the upper femoral epiphysis slip or rotate?

Although much has been published on the causes of slipped upper femoral epiphysis and the results of treatment, little attention has been given to the mechanism of the slip. This study presents the results of the analysis of 13 adolescent femora, and the attempts to reproduce the radiological appearances of a typical slip. The mean age of the skeletons was 13 years (11 to 15).