A simple technique for screw fixation of the carpal scaphoid in cases of delayed union and non-union is described.

A series of iOO patients with pain in the leg was studied and the accuracy of electrical studies in the diagnosis of nerve root lesions was investigated before operation. The electrical studies which were performed on all the patients, included recordings of fibrillation potentials, H-reflex and ankle reflex latencies. This diagnostic technique was found to be more accurate than radiculography or clinical examination and did not give false evidence. Seventy patients were classed as having a lesion of the nerve root. Fifty ofthese patients were treated surgically. The operation revealed compression ofthe nerve root by osteophytes arising from degenerative and incompletely dislocated posterior facetjoints in 43 patients.

We compared two groups of consecutive patients presenting to a scoliosis center: viz., 214 children from 1974 to 1978 and 100 children from 1984 to 1986. The number of curves detected by school screening increased from 10 percent to 33 percent, and the size of the curves at presentation decreased from 49 to 33 degrees. Half the curves were still detected by families and friends. School screening for scoliosis has increased detection of curves at an early stage when bracing may be successful.