A total of 67 humeral diaphyseal fractures treated with functional bracing was studied. The median follow-up was 30 weeks. Sixty-one fractures (91%) healed and 6 fractures (8.9%) progressed to non-unions. Fifty-four fractures could be functionally classified according to a modified Wasmer score. Pain, range of motion in the shoulder and elbow, and changes in activities of daily life were recorded. Loss of external rotation in the shoulder was most prominent, being present in 21 (38%) of the fractures. To evaluate the cause of loss of external rotation, 21 of the patients were selected for two groups to be studied with computed tomography (CT). Twelve patients had normal clinical findings without a loss of external rotation, while 9 patients had subnormal external rotation in the shoulder of the injured limb. Fracture consolidation in malrotation was seen frequently, and a linear correlation between the clinical loss of external rotation and CT findings was indicated, but no statistical agreement could be proved. The time between injury and brace application could possibly contribute to consolidation in malrotation.

In 22 patients with extensive atherosclerotic disease of the lower extremities 24 long bypasses have been performed. The main indications for surgery were rest pain and imminent or manifest gangrene. The semiclosed in situ vein technique was used in all except one case. Five grafts thrombosed within 2 weeks postoperatively, one of them was successfully reopened. At discharge 20 grafts were patent, and most of the patients had relief of their ischemic symptoms. After 5 years 26% of the long vein grafts were patent. In comparison, almost 70% of in situ femoro-popliteal vein grafts were patent. One patient is still living with an open long vein graft 14 years after surgery. The in situ vein technique is especially suited for long bypasses. The poorer results in the present series is probably due to an extremely advanced atherosclerotic disease and a high percent of small fibrotic veins with a diameter of 3 mm or less.