A prospective randomized trial was undertaken to compare the influence of absorbable and non-absorbable sutures on pillar pain, scar tenderness, extent of wound inflammation and overall outcome of the surgery following open carpal tunnel release. Forty hands in 33 patients (mean age, 51 years; range, 31-74 years) were randomized into group A (absorbable sutures) or group B (non-absorbable sutures). Clinical assessment was done at 2, 6 and 12 weeks follow-up. The outcome of surgery in terms of improvement of severity of symptoms and functional status of patients was assessed using a self-administered Boston Questionnaire. There was no significant difference between the two groups for any of our outcome measures at the final follow-up.

The results of basal osteotomy of the first metacarpal in the treatment of carpo-metacarpal osteoarthritis have been analysed from two small studies, one retrospective and one prospective. Assessment included clinical examination, standardised radiography and computerised pinch-grip analysis. Surgery reduces the subluxation at the first metacarpal base and provides good pain relief and restoration of function in the majority of cases. It is concluded that this relatively simple technique produces very good results without reducing power grip.

PSI knee arthroplasty is shown not to confer increased accuracy in reconstituting the postoperative mechanical axis. Further studies are required to demonstrate both clinical and radiological alignment outcomes in PSI knee arthroplasty with focus upon tibial and femoral rotation.

We report two patients with permanent dislocation of the proximal tibiofibular joint and no history of trauma. Both needed operation, one for persistent pain and the other for common peroneal nerve involvement, and both had a good result.

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