Our system of classification is a helpful guide to the degree of glenoid bone loss when embarking on revision shoulder arthroplasty.

The drug delivery system was effective against MRSA-induced osteomyelitis without negative effect on osteointegration. This biodegradable technology has the potential to be a powerful tool in fighting bone infections.

The LockDown device (previously called Surgilig) is a braided polyester mesh which is mostly used to reconstruct the dislocated acromioclavicular joint. More than 11,000 have been implanted worldwide. Little is known about the tissue reaction to the device nor to its wear products when implanted in an extra-articular site in humans. This is of importance as an adverse immunological reaction could result in osteolysis or damage to the local tissues, thereby affecting the longevity of the implant. We analysed the histology of five LockDown implants retrieved from five patients over the last seven years by one of the senior authors. Routine analysis was carried out in all five cases and immunohistochemistry in one. The LockDown device acts as a scaffold for connective tissue which forms an investing fibrous pseudoligament. The immunological response at the histological level seems favourable with a limited histiocytic and giant cell response to micron-sized wear particles. The connective tissue envelope around the implant is less organised than a native ligament.

The observations above may indicate a special form of gastroesophageal reflux, namely, a slow, trickling form of it. It can be responsible for the development of GERD. Fast reflux and immediate clearance are common; however, this special trickling form was observed only in GERD patients. This may explain a number of often contradictory measurements and can make the effect of cisapride more understandable. A test meal is always necessary to distinguish a bilious reflux from an acidic one, because only the latter may require aggressive antacidic treatment.

The authors produced various degradation products of human hemoglobin. With the aid of immune sera raised against native hemoglobin and their fragments, we examined the antigenicity of the intact molecule and fragments as well as the specificity and reactivity of the immune sera used. Since conventional guaiac-type reactions make no distinction between the different hemoglobin molecules and the methods described in recent years' publications only with immune sera raised against native intact hemoglobin, the demonstration of occult fecal blood has not reached the desired rate of efficacy in clinical practice. The authors recommend the introduction of a simple differential diagnostic methods suitable for the parallel examination of intact and fragmented hemoglobin.