HERBERT SCREW FIXATION OF SCAPHOID FRACTURES

On average, patients returned to work 4.7 weeks after surgery and wrist function was significantly improved, even when the fracture failed to unite. Healing rates for acute fractures were better than those reported for plaster immobilisation and were independent of fracture location. In the case of established nonunions, healing depended on the stage and location of the fracture, but the progress of arthritis was halted and carpal collapse significantly improved. Internal fixation of the scaphoid using the Herbert bone screw, although technically demanding, has few complications and appears to offer significant advantages over other methods of treatment

A transport survey of South Island farmers

Late in 1975 the Agricultural Economics Research Unit surveyed 3,156 randomly chosen South Island sheep farmers to obtain information on their transport needs and problems. The primary aim of the survey was to quantify the volume and flow patterns of the two major South Island farm commodities: livestock and wool. Farm management practices, and the basis for certain farm management decisions, were also investigated in the survey to clarify their impact on transport efficiency. As well, the opinions of farmers were sought on a number of important farm transport issues. The resulting findings in this variety of matters are presented in this report

Long term follow-up of composite non-vascularized toe phalanx transfers for aphalangia

The results of 21 non-vascularized toe phalanx transfers in 13 patients were reviewed radiologically with respect to function, physeal patency, growth and donor site morbidity at a mean follow-up of 7.4 (range 2.9-13.6) years. Physeal patency was maintained in 4 of 18 surviving transfers. The length of the transferred phalanx averaged 75% of the contralateral comparable toe phalanx and 44% of the contralateral digit proximal phalanx. Most patients had good or simple use of the hand with active joint motion. There was universal shortening of the donor toe with hypoplasia of the middle and distal phalanges. This review suggests that transfer of a non-vascularized toe phalanx provides a reliable but limited means for increasing length of a digit, stabilizing soft tissue "nubbins" and improving function. Longer follow-up has shown more modest gains in growth than in some previous reports.7 page(s