One hundred and fifty-one patients underwent anterior interbody lumbar spinal fusion for intractable back pain. A solid bony fusion was obtained in 76%. The method of outcome assessment profoundly affected the results; whereas 68% of patients rated themselves as significantly improved by the procedure, only 40% achieved a good or excellent result on the more objective low-back outcome score. Patients who underwent a second procedure did not do well, and "salvage" surgery is not recommended. Posterior distraction instrumentation neither increased the rate of union nor improved the final results. The rate of fusion was influenced by the presence of a compensation claim. Compensation status and psychological disturbance at presentation were significant prognostic factors. Psychological disturbance at review had a profound effect on the outcome and patient satisfaction ratings. It is recommended that future studies employ a recognised outcome score and that the analysis specifically includes compensation status and psychological disturbance.

Purpose Avulsion of the abductors from the hip can be an infrequent but debilitating complication after total hip arthroplasty performed through a trans-gluteal approach. This can result in intractable pain, limp, Trendelenberg lurch and instability of the hip. There have been various methods described for repairing or reconstruction of this abductor muscle complex including direct trans-osseous repair, muscle transfers, muscle and tendon sling, bone tendon allograft reconstruction and endoscopic repair techniques. Methods In a prospective study at our institution we evaluated the results of a surgical technique in 12 patients using a transosseous repair of gluteus medius and minimus insertions augmented by a Graft Jacket® allograft acellular human dermal matrix (Graft Jacket®; Wright Medical Technology, Arlington, TN) over the anterior and anterolateral aspects of the greater trochanter. Diagnosis of hip abductor avulsions was made by evaluation of the history of presenting complaint, clinical examination and confirmed by ultrasound or MRI scans.

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American children start school at 6-61/2, but schools will usually accept foreign children who have started school at home. Inoculation against measles, mumps, and German measles in addition to diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus and polio may be required before admission to school, but this can be arranged on arrival. Lectures Prepare a couple of seminars, with slides, on any original work or investigation previously performed. In addition, slides of British cities and countryside are worth having for informal lectures to show at the children's school and to friends.

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