Histological and ultrastructural studies on the medial meniscus in the human knee joint show that nerve fibres, both myelinated and unmyelinated, extend from the periarticular plexus into the meniscus as far as the intermediate third. These neural elements are not exclusively paravascular in position and it is reasonable to postulate a function other than vasomotor or vasosensory for them.The topographical features of the innervation of the adult human knee joint, as described by Schaeffer ('42) and Hollinshead ('66) are well understood but the precise extent to which nerve fibres penetrate intra-articular structures such as the menisci remains undefined. The functional studies of Samuel ('52) and Andrew ('54) indicating that neural elements are present within periarticular structures agree with the histological findings of Rossi ('50) and Polacek ('61) but the question of meniscal innervation is not considered.Gardner ('48) in an extensive histological survey, reports that, in foetal human knee joints, some vessels and nerves enter the substance of the menisci but no exact value is given for the depth of their penetration. Freeman and Wyke ('67) state that those few nerve fibres present within menisci of adult cats are confined to the outermost layers, occupy paravascular positions and possess no specialized endformations. They report that no neural elements can be seen within the central fibrocartilaginous zone.In the histological part of this investigation, an attempt is made to determine more precisely, the extent and nature of the nerve fibres which ramify within adult human menisci. Accurately orientated portions of menisci are subjected to electron microscopy so that comparisons may be made between the histological and ultrastructural features of meniscal innervation. Medial menisci were obtained at operation from 10 male patients, aged 16 to 29 years, who had suffered traumatic knee injury. Only menisci in which the damage ANAT. REC., 165: 485-492.was clearly localized to either the anterior or posterior horn were used.( a ) Histological studies : Immediately on removal, eight menisci were fixed in 10% formalin for approximately 12 hours, after which both anterior and posterior horns were removed and discarded, thus leaving macroscopically undamaged middle portions as indicated by B ( fig. 1 ) . These portions were then placed in 10% formalin over marble chips for a further 10 days. Three portions were embedded in paraffin wax, and serial sections, representing three distinct planes were cut at a thickness of 5 v, and stained, either with haematoxylin and eosin or by Mallory's trichrome procedure. From the remaining five portions, frozen sections were cut at a thickness of 100 and impregnated with silver according to Schofield ('60).(b) Ultrastructural studies: Three specimens, each approximately 3 mm in thickness, and orientated as shown ( fig. 2) were cut at operation from the middle portion of two menisci. All peripheral connective tissue was removed and they were then immersed in phosphate b...

1. The use of metallic internal fixation in the primary treatment of 176 open skeletal injuries is discussed and the results presented. 2. The use of metal (stainless steel) in this type of injury is shown not to have any harmful effects. it can be used with safety and benefit in the primary treatment of open skeletal trauma, especially in the multiple and complicated injuries of war and motor vehicle accidents. 3. The place of antibiotics is discussed and adequate treatment of the soft-tissue wound is stressed.

1. Thirty-eight cases of tuberculosis of the greater trochanter have been reviewed. 2. Classification into bursal and osseous infections is discussed, and reasons have been given for our belief that either lesion may be the primary one. 3. An attempt has been made to assess available methods of treatment. In general, conservative measures are recommended for primary lesions, and surgery for recurrences. We have the impression that chemotherapy is of definite value. 4. The incidence of spread of tuberculosis to the hip joint is discussed. In this connection, reasons have been given for condemning excision of the trochanter.

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The use of radioactive phosphorus ("P) in determining the vascularity of the femoral head and there ore treatment for high fractures of the femoral neck is reported in 89 cases. The t e c h k p e is described and results analysed. Autoradiograms of the femoral head are used to check the initial assessment of vascularity.