We present the outcome of 47 Souter-Strathclyde replacements of the elbow with a mean follow-up of 82 months (12 to 129). The clinical results were assessed using a condition-specific outcome measure. The mean total score (maximum 100) before the operation was 47.21 and improved to 79.92 (p < 0.001). The mean pain score (maximum 50) improved from 21.41 to 46.70 (p < 0.001) and the mean functional component of the score (maximum 30) from 11.19 to 18.65 (p < 0.001). There was negligible change in the score for the range of movement although a significant improvement in mean flexion from 124 degrees to 136 degrees was noted (p < 0.001). Revision surgery was required in four patients, for dislocation, wound dehiscence and early infection in one, late infection in two and aseptic loosening in one. The cumulative survival was 75% at nine years for all causes of failure and 97% at ten years for aseptic loosening alone. Our study demonstrates the value of the Souter-Strathclyde total elbow arthroplasty in providing relief from pain and functional improvement in rheumatoid patients.

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We carried out a retrospective and prospective study of 67 patients who had sustained hand injuries from punching glass over a period of 33 months. All had consumed alcohol and had argued with a partner. The mean age was 25 years, 90% were male and 56% were unemployed. Seventy per cent of injuries occurred between 23.00 and 04.00 hours. Total damage included division of 149 tendons, 33 nerves and nine arteries. Fifty-two per cent of patients required admission for more than 1 day. The mean number of follow-up visits was 3.6 and the majority needed hand therapy and occupational therapy services. Cost per injury was estimated as 1,120 pounds. Such injuries cause major disability in an already disadvantaged section of society. The challenge is to educate the susceptible patient group.

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The anatomical relationships of the terminal branch of posterior interosseous nerve have been studied in 57 cadaver and amputation specimens. Removal of the nerve leaves the patient with no apparent sensory deficit. In all dissections the nerve was present and its location was constant. The mean obtainable length was 3.7 cm (range 2.7-5.1 cm) and its cross-sectional area made the nerve suitable for grafting of digital nerves.