Endoprosthetic replacement of the proximal humerus has been performed in our unit on 25 occasions between 1950 and 1982. The indication for surgery was destruction of the proximal half of the humerus so extensive that the only alternatives were reconstruction or amputation. Of the patients with tumours two died from metastases, and three from unrelated causes; local recurrence necessitated amputation in two patients. Minor complications were frequent, but there were no deep infections and, after 1964, no prosthesis became loose. Active shoulder movement after operation was considerably limited, but passive movement was good and function of the elbow and hand were preserved.

The common peroneal nerve is prominent behind the head of the fibula. The superficial peroneal nerve can be seen in the lateral compartment; it emerges through the deep fascia approximately one-quarter of the way up the leg from the lateral malleolus. As it emerges from the fascia it divides into two branches.

A series of 81 patients has been reviewed to determine the value of endoprosthetic replacement of the proximal femur and hip in the treatment of bone tumours. Standard statistical methods were used to evaluate the survival of the replacements and the patients. Taking removal of the prosthesis, irrespective of the cause, as the criterion for failure the survival of the replacements was found to be 63 per cent after 10 years. If deaths are regarded as failures, then the survival value falls to 48 per cent. The survival of patients with chondrosarcoma and osteoclastoma treated by endoprosthetic replacement compares favourably with survival after amputation or excision of the tumour.

I ro i 1/u' I?obert Jones and .1o ;zes Hiv;it Ortliopaedic Ilospital, Osweslrv 'I'lie condition to he reported is a rare deformity of the fifth linger which on superficial eXaIluilTIatioli resembles

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