A survey of patients attitude toward low back surgery in a major center in Saudi Arabia.

Objective: Similar to any other invasive procedure, low back surgery has potential complications. These potential complications lead many patients to refuse the surgery when it is indicated. The aim of this study was to evaluate patient's attitude toward low back surgery and identify factors that might influence their decision.

Removal of internal fixation in pediatric patients.

Objective: Internal fixation devices are commonly used in the surgical treatment of many orthopedic conditions. Their prolonged presence, however, has been associated with potential complications. Many surgeons advocate the routine removal of internal fixation in the pediatric age group.

Percutaneous versus open epiphysiodesis.

Objective: Epiphysiodesis is used for the treatment of leg-length discrepancy in skeletally immature patients. Phemister described an open technique that requires surgical dissection with potential morbidity. Recently, minimally invasive approaches that utilize intraoperative fluoroscopy have been introduced.

Mode of loosening of matt-finished femoral stems in primary total hip replacement.

Objective: Major advances have occurred in total hip replacement (THR) surgery aiming at minimizing or delaying loosening of the components. Currently, substantial controversy exists regarding the possible role of the surface finish of cemented femoral stems in the loosening process. Several authors have recently suggested that a roughened surface finish of the femoral component in cemented THR can predispose the implant to early loosening and subsequently severe osteolysis.

Unconventional alternative for hook plate fixation of the cervicothoracic junction.

The most common cause for instability at the cervicothoracic junction (C7-T1) is traumatic fracture-dislocation. Surgical treatment of these unstable injuries has gained wide acceptance as the treatment of choice. The hook plate is the device of choice for achieving dorsal fusion of these injuries.