46 enchondromata of the hand have been treated by simple curettage without bone grafting. 82% healed and 16% were left with only small bone defects. Only one patient had a clear-cut recurrence requiring re-operation. This simple method, performed on out-patient basis, is recommended.

W e compared the long-term outcome in 61 patients (62 fractures) treated operatively or conservatively for an acute fracture of the carpal scaphoid. A total of 30 fractures was randomised to conservative treatment using a cast and 32 to operative treatment using a Herbert bone screw. The duration of sick leave was shorter for patients treated by operation, but this was only significant in patients with blue-collar occupations. There were no differences between the groups in respect of function, radiological healing of the fracture, or carpal arthritis after follow-up at 12 years. Those managed by operation showed radiological signs of arthritis of the scaphotrapezial joint more often, but this finding did not correlate with subjective symptoms. Operative treatment of an acute fracture of the scaphoid allows early return of function and should be regarded as an alternative to conservative treatment in patients in whom immobilisation in a cast for three months is not acceptable for reasons related to sports, social life or work.

We compared the long-term outcome in 61 patients (62 fractures) treated operatively or conservatively for an acute fracture of the carpal scaphoid. A total of 30 fractures was randomised to conservative treatment using a cast and 32 to operative treatment using a Herbert bone screw. The duration of sick leave was shorter for patients treated by operation, but this was only significant in patients with blue-collar occupations. There were no differences between the groups in respect of function, radiological healing of the fracture, or carpal arthritis after follow-up at 12 years. Those managed by operation showed radiological signs of arthritis of the scaphotrapezial joint more often, but this finding did not correlate with subjective symptoms. Operative treatment of an acute fracture of the scaphoid allows early return of function and should be regarded as an alternative to conservative treatment in patients in whom immobilisation in a cast for three months is not acceptable for reasons related to sports, social life or work.

The study found 5 key ultrasound characteristics that were important for differentiating the tumours: existence or not of vessels, existence or not of a capsule, echogenicity, echo structure, and pattern of growth. Taking these traits into consideration should make it easier for the examiner to make the right diagnosis with a reasonable degree of accuracy.

The ability of ultrasound to assess a displaced ulnar collateral ligament of the 1st metacarpo-phalangeal (MCl") joint was evaluated. If the ligament is ruptured and displaced proximal to the adductor aponeurosis, a surgical repair should be undertaken to restore stability. Ultrasound accurately diagnosed these lesions in 32/39 operated patients. In 4 cases the ultrasound examination suggested a more severe lesion than was found at operation. In 3 cases a lesser injury was suspected than later proved to be present.