Our experience in the treatment of 50 scaphoid nonunions treated with Herbert screw fixation is reviewed. Success rates fell off as the duration of nonunion before treatment increased. However, this appeared to be related to the increased incidence of avascular necrosis with time rather than simply the factor of time alone. In this series the major adverse determinants for outcome were avascular necrosis and a history of previous surgery for nonunion. Failure to graft in a selected group with an intact cartilaginous envelope or a stable firm fibrous union did not affect results. The heterogeneous nature of any series of scaphoid nonunions is emphasized and the difficulties in comparing results with cohorts unmatched for the various adverse factors discussed is stressed.

The presenting features and associated abnormalities of imperforate hymen and vaginal atresia were studied in 24 girls under the age of 16 years. Hydrocolpos or hydrometrocolpos occurred in 8 infants, 13 older girls developed haematocolpos, but 3 of the girls had no distension of the genital tract. Seven of the older girls were diagnosed as having appendicitis. Anorectal anomalies were present in 9 of the children. Intravenous pyelography was performed on 16 girls and was normal in only one. Urinary tract investigations are indicated in all girls with vaginal outlet obstruction, and the vaginal orifice should be inspected in all girls with anorectal abnormalities.

We have reviewed the results in 34 patients (39 operations) following simple excision of the trapezium for osteoarthritis of the basal joint of the thumb. The average age at operation was 57 years and the average follow-up was 6 years. All the patients were graded clinically and radiologically and were asked their opinion of the procedure. There was dramatic relief of pain following this procedure. Stability of the thumb was not compromised. When compared to the unoperated side, thumb length, thumb abduction and first web span were similar. There was a reduction in pinch strength (operated 8.1 k.p.a., non-operated 9.6 k.p.a.) and grip strength (operated 15.5 k.p.a., non-operated 19.5 k.p.a.) and an increase in MIP extension (operated 5.4 degrees, non-operated 2.9 degrees) following this procedure but the differences were not statistically significant. 11 patients (32%) had scar hyperaesthesia on testing but this was a clinical problem in two patients only (5%). Simple excision of the trapezium is a satisfactory procedure for the majority of patients with this disorder, but has a long post-operative rehabilitation period.