We report our experience over seven years with a floating radial-head prosthesis for acute fractures of the radial head and the complications which may result from such injury. The prosthesis has an integrated articulation which allows change of position during movement of the elbow. We present the results in 12 patients with a minimum follow-up of two years. Five prostheses had been implanted shortly after injury with an average follow-up of 49 months and seven for the treatment of sequelae with an average follow-up of 43 months. All prostheses have performed well with an improved functional score (modified from Broberg and Morrey 1986). We have not experienced any of the complications previously reported with silicone radial-head replacement. Our initial results suggest that the prosthesis may be suitable for the early or delayed treatment of Mason type-III fractures and more complex injuries involving the radial head.

Therapeutic study, Level III (Case control study). See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

This is a case report of the release of an elbow ankylosed by post-head-injury heterotopic ossification. An extensive bony resection and soft-tissue release was required. At surgery a pathological, osteoporotic fracture of the radial head was found that could not be preserved and thus was removed. In its place an articulated "floating radial head prosthesis" was used that allowed immediate rehabilitation and avoided the need for temporary joint distraction or stabilization. The initial excellent function achieved has been maintained, at a > 3-year follow-up and without the complications experienced with silicone radial head prostheses.

We report the case of a patient who developed an ankle osteoarthritis due to the Ascomycete Neocosmospora vasinfecta, following accidental multiple trauma to his legs in whilst in Africa. Antifungal susceptibility testing was performed. Despite a low amphotericin B minimal inhibitory concentration, parenteral antifungal therapy failed and amputation was required to resolve the osteoarthritis. Possible reasons for the failure of this antifungal treatment are examined.

Conceptually, resurfacing arthroplasty is less invasive for the bones than classical prosthetic replacement surgery.Combination of such resurfacing surgery with a surgical approach, also non-invasive, is a logical option: the Hueter's anterior access that has been utilized in prosthetic surgery by Robert and Jean Judet for more than 50 years and developed as a mini-invasive procedure by Marc Siguier and other surgeons is suitable for resurfacing for the following reasons:-anatomical reasons: best exposure of the femoral head and neck, and of the acetabulum;-anterior approach and dislocation do not compromise posterior vascular contribution in the femoral head and neck.The technique of resurfacing prosthetic implantation by anterior access on an orthopaedic table is described, and important points are specified.The results of a preliminary series of 61 patients having undergone this surgery between 2002 and 2004 are prospectively analyzed. In all patients except two, outcomes were clinically and radiologically good or excellent, with all targeted implantation criteria adequately met.The authors are still using the technique of resurfacing prosthesis implantation; their excellent results make them recommend the mini invasive anterior access and the use of an orthopaedic operating table.