Open ankle fractures. The indications for immediate open reduction and internal fixation.

Twenty-two patients with open ankle fractures or fracture-dislocations were treated with irrigation and debridement, reduction, and immediate stable internal fixation at an average of six hours from initial evaluation. There were 13 women (59%) and nine men (41%), having an average follow-up period of 32 months (range, five to 111 months). There were six Grade I (27%), 15 Grade II (68%), and one Grade III (5%) injuries.

An anatomical variation of the palmar cutaneous branch of the median nerve.

A case is presented of an anomalous course of the palmar cutaneous branch of the median nerve. Wide and meticulous exposure is necessary to avoid injury to all variations of this nerve and the use of a "safe" incision will not always avoid risk of injury.

Variations of the ulnar nerve. A surgical perspective.

A systematic review of ulnar nerve variations is presented. Many of these anomalous neural structures account for the atypical clinical or electromyographic findings that are often a source of diagnostic confusion. Knowledge of these variations will hopefully lessen the likelihood of inadvertent injury and consequent motor and/or sensory loss.