The results obtained in this study suggest that non-healing venous ulcers are related to the impairment of the calf muscle pump.

Objective To further test the application of topical steroids in boys referred to a paediatric surgical practice with pathological, non‐retractable foreskins diagnosed as phimosis. Patients and methods This prospective study comprised two groups of 20 boys each (mean age 4.1 years, range 3–6) diagnosed as having phimosis; twice daily, a topical steroid (0.05% betamethasone cream) was applied on the narrowed preputial skin in the first group and a neutral cream (Vaseline) in the second (control) group. Patients were treated for 4 weeks and the retractability of the foreskin and any side‐effects assessed. Results Good retraction of the foreskin was achieved in 19 patients treated with betamethasone cream and the response was unsatisfactory in 16 patients from the control group; these 16 boys and one 6‐year‐old boy treated with betamethasone were circumsized. There were no side‐effects or problems after the application of either cream. Conclusion Treatment with 0.05% betamethasone cream is a simple and safe method for the treatment of phimosis in boys older than 3 years. An early operation is necessary in cases of genuine phimosis when 1 month of treatment with topical steroids has failed. We strongly support the saying, ‘The fortunate foreskin of an infant boy will usually be left well alone by everyone but its owner’.

Considering the results obtained in this study, it can be concluded that external fixation by the "Mitković" external fixator with the minimal internal fixation is a satisfactory method for the tratment of fractures of the tibial plafond causing less complications than internal fixation.

Surgical treatment of wounds, external fixation, leaving the wounds open and performing necessary debridements, adequate drug therapy administration are essential for obtaining good results in patients with open tibial shaft fractures.

Basic principles in the treatment of open lower leg fractures in this study are thorough primary open fracture wound treatment followed by the delayed wound closure, stable fracture fixation using unilateral external skeletal device, proper antibiotic treatment and tetanus prophylaxis. The results correlate with similar studies.