The emergence of new implants needs a precise evaluation of a fractured, an arthritic or a reconstructed distal radius. The double slope of the distal radius complicates the manufacturing of an "anatomical" plate. The optimal shape is between these two slopes. Moreover, ancillaries for wrist replacement are still approximations, which means that it is important to know the projection of the radial axis on the articular surface of the distal radius.

Anterior, lateral, and medial knee pain may be related to PLFFS. Anatomical predispositions contributing to instability are found in these patients. There may be associated chondropathies and osteochondropathies.

Many reinsertion techniques have been reported, giving clinical results similar to one another and to the present findings. The complications rate, in contrast, varies according to technique and surgical approach. Radiologically, 70% of reinsertions were satisfactory: healing with the tendon apposed on the cortical bone is thus a reliable technique. Heterotopic ossification is considered benign in the literature. The present radiological study refined this notion by identifying three types of ossification: pure asymptomatic intratendon ossification; pure asymptomatic tuberosity ossification without impact on healing on the radial tuberosity; and tuberosity ossification with associated boney metaplasia of the terminal part of the reinserted tendon, impairing healing and leading to less satisfactory clinical results. To ensure anatomic healing of the distal biceps tendon, we recommend less than two weeks' interval to surgery and at least two suture tacks to obtain good apposition on the radial tuberosity.

The aim of this study was to evaluate mid- and long-term results of ultrasonically guided ethanol injection into parathyroid adenomas. From 1988 to 1996, 27 patients (mean age 77 +/- 13 years) were treated for parathyroid adenomas by percutaneous ethanol injection. The survey included clinical information, plasma calcium, phosphorus and PTH (1-84) evaluation. Follow-up lasted 22.6 +/- 10 months. No major complications were observed for 63 ethanol injections. Biochemical recovery was 58%, biochemical improvement at 3 months was 33%, and failure was 7%. Four of 15 cured patients presented a recurrence of the disease 1 or 2 years after the first treatment. Ultrasonically guided ethanol injection can be useful in the treatment of parathyroid adenomas when surgery is not possible. The immediate results are interesting but not as good as those obtained with surgery. A regular biochemical survey is necessary so that recurrences can be recognized and treated at an early stage.

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