Early-onset osteoarthritis linked to the type II procollagen gene. Detailed clinical phenotype and further analyses of the gene.

Objective: To specify in detail the clinical phenotype in 2 Finnish families demonstrating linkage between the type II procollagen gene (COL2A1) and osteoarthritis (OA). We also reevaluated the linkage and screened the exon sequences of the COL2A1 gene for mutations.

Methods: We used single-stranded conformation polymorphism and denaturing gradient-gel electrophoresis techniques for the analyses.

[Surgical management of acromioclavicular joint separation with transcutaneous Kirschner wire fixation. Results of follow-up in 45 patients].

45 patients were followed up who had undergone surgery because of acromioclavicular separation of the types TOSSY II and TOSSY III during 1983 to 1985. In 44 cases a fresh acromioclavicular separation had been treated via transcutaneous Kirschner wire fixation and in one case a chronic acromioclavicular separation had been treated according to the technique described by Bunnell. the anatomy of the acromioclavicular joint, the pattern of injury as well as the method of surgery with subsequent aftercare measures are described.

[Changes in morbidity following traumatologically-induced splenectomy].

12 patients were followed up who had been splenectomised between 1978 and 1985 after traumatic injury of the spleen. Analysis of late morbidity after loss of the spleen was performed besides physical examination and a study of clinical pathology findings, the analysis being based on the individual anamnesis and history of previous diseases of each patient. It was not possible to establish a clear rise in general an infection-conditioned morbidity.

[Closed femoral intramedullary nailing without drilling--a 14-year evaluation].

A sufficiently stable osteosynthesis is demanded on the basis of the conditions formulated for the healing of bone fractures. This demand applies to fractures in general. For intramedullary nailing in particular, it is a major postulate that sufficient stability can only be attained if the medullar cavity is drilled open.

[Functional treatment of fractures with the Neofract brace].

Conservative treatment of a fracture is governed by generally accepted principles, in the first place absolute rest in the fractured region by inactivating the injured limb and adjacent joints. Hence, delayed healing of a fracture and formation of pseudarthroses are attributed to shear forces, insufficient retention and generally to lack of rest in the fractured area. On the other hand, the nonsurgical functional fracture treatment developed by Sarmiento in Los Angeles, U.