Arthrodesis of ring finger and little finger metacarpal bases for little finger carpometacarpal joint arthritis.

Five patients with localized little finger carpometacarpal arthritis were treated by excision of the little finger metacarpal base and arthrodesis of the little and ring metacarpals. A dorsal periosteal/capsular flap was used as an interposition graft. All patients achieved significant pain relief, good cosmesis and satisfactory grip strength.

Combined conservative and orthotic management of acute ruptures of the Achilles tendon.

Background: There has been considerable debate about the best treatment for acute rupture of the Achilles tendon. At our institution, a well-documented and structured program of nonoperative management of Achilles tendon rupture with use of casts and a removable orthosis was developed.

Methods: We assessed the results in 140 consecutive patients with a complete rupture of the Achilles tendon who had been treated with our nonoperative regimen at our center between 1992 and 1998.