Introduction: This study was undertaken to investigate if such anthropometric measurements (i.e., height, weight and body mass index) can be used to predict graft diameters in 4 strand semitendinosus and gracilis hamstring autografts. Methods: The study sample consisted of 89 consecutive male patients who underwent ACL reconstruction using quadrupled semitendinosus and gracilis autografts. Intraoperative measurements of the fashioned quadrupled hamstring graft were performed using sizing tubes calibrated to 0.5mm. Correlation coefficients (Pearson r) analysis was used to determine the relationship between hamstring graft diameter and predictor variables: gender, height, mass, and body mass index. Results: The mean hamstring graft diameter, 7.90mm, was comparable with previously published studies. Weight (r=0.18) and body mass index (r=0.19) correlated positively with graft diameter. There was no correlation between graft diameter and height (r=0.01). Conclusion:In Asian male patients, height, weight and BMI cannot be used for preoperative identification of graft size.

The proximal femoral nail antirotation (PFNA) device was recently introduced as an option for intramedullary management of pertrochanteric hip fractures. We report here local results with this relatively new implant. Sixty-two patients with pertrochanteric or subtrochanteric fractures underwent intramedullary fixation with PFNA devices in our centre during the 14 month period from September 2008 to October 2009. Data for this report were retrieved from clinical case records and operative notes. We recorded the age, gender, length of stay and operative time, preoperative ambulatory status and days required to regain mobility. Fractures were classified using the AO classification (A1, A2 and A3). Complications were also identified.There were 15 male and 47 female patients and the mean age was 74.3 years. The mean surgical duration was 76.1min and the average length of hospitalisation was 14.5 days. Five cases were noted to have femoral shaft fracture and no occurrences of screw cutout. We found that 83.9% of the patients were able to regain preoperative mobility status by 6 months following surgery. We conclude that the PFNA is an effective implant for stabilisation of proximal hip fractures and that the local complication rate is similar to reports from other centres.

Objective: The aim was to compare outcomes differences between unipolar and bipolar hip hemiarthroplasty in one institution for the local geriatric population. Methodology: A retrospective review of 291 patients aged 70 and above who underwent hip hemiarthroplasty for neck of femur fracture from February 2004 to November 2006 was performed. Results: Operative time was lower in the unipolar group. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of superficial wound infection, deep implant infection and hip dislocation. Patients who underwent unipolar hip hemiarthroplasty tended to be older and have a higher Charlson Comorbidity Score. Conclusions: The use of a bipolar endoprosthesis in the management of displaced femoral neck fractures in the elderly was associated with a shorter length of stay but higher hospitalisation bill, which was not statistically significant. However, the unipolar group were significantly older with a higher CCS score.