The aim of the study was to evaluate the reliability and durability of alumina-on-alumina ceramic in comparison to metal-on-highly cross-linked polyethylene (CoCr/HXLPE) bearing couples. This prospective randomised study involved 150 patients (157 hips). All patients (mean age: 54.7 years) obtained an identical fibre metal midcoat femoral stem and fibre metal-coated acetabular shell. In 78 patients (82 hips) we used alumina, while in 72 patients (75 hips) metal-polyethylene bearing couples were used. During a mean 50.4-month follow-up period (51 ± 8 alumina and 50 ± 8.9 metal-polyethylene) no statistically significant changes in clinical and radiographic parameters were noted between the two groups. There was no ceramic breakage and no need for revision surgery due to the ceramic liner. The alumina bearing couples proved to be as reliable as CoCr/HXLPE.

Hallux valgus is a complex deformity of the forefoot. Beside the lateral deviation of the first metatarsophalangeal joint angle exceeding 15-20 degrees and intermetatarsalvarus exceeding 8-9 degrees, it is also characterized by extensive changes of the soft tissue arch, sesamoid mechanism and metatarsocuneiform joint. It occurs almost exclusively in humans wearing shoes. Although in some measure it can be treated non-operatively, by corrective separators and inserts, operative treatment is predominant. There are numerous operative procedures aimed at the correction of the deformity and inducing normal biomechanics of the forefoot. There are seven conceptually different procedures starting from simple bunionectomy, through various soft tissue procedures, metatarsal and phalangeal osteotomies, to resection arthroplasty and metatarsophalangeal arthrodesis. All have clear indications, and none of them has advantages over the others. In accordance with the etiopathogenesis of the disease prevention is easy; wearing comfortable shoes.

"Minimaly-invasive" total joint arthroplasty have been widely introduced to the orthopaedic community several years ago. The concept has received a great attention and has been greeted variably with enthusiasm, concern, and skepticism. Numerous meetings, scientific exibits, symposia and congreses has been taking place all around the world. Whether this represents the future of orthopaedic surgery or just a fad, the term "minimaly-invasive" or "minimaly-incision" are yet to be clear and establish. Our intention is to present 72 of first 100 cases of total hip arthroplasty performed by "minimaly-incision" surgery. In our opinion first results are positve and we intend to continue with this kind of surgery.

Aloplastic surgery of dislocated fractures of the femoral neck with the older population enables relatively fast mobilisation of the patients, early rehabilitation of the patients with acceptable number of the early complications.

Background: Even though there is no consensus, many authors believe that in the cases of large hiatal defects, structurally altered crura and/or absence of peritoneal lining, a crural reinforcement should be performed. Reinforcement could be performed with different techniques and different type of mesh, either synthetic or biologic. The disadvantages of mesh repair include the possibility of serious complications and increased costs especially in the usage of composite or biologic mesh. Methods: The study includes 10 cases of reinforced primary suture line of the pillars with autologous fascia lata, in elective laparoscopic repair of the giant PEH with a large hiatal defect and friable crura. After intraopreative confirmation of the large hiatal defect (hiatal surface area of more than 8 cm 2 ) and friable crura, an autologous fascia lata graft was harvested in the usual manner and placed in on-lay fashion to reinforce the pillar suture line. We analyzed surgical technique, complications, and initial follow-up of the patients. Results: Average hiatal surface area (HSA) in our series was 10.6 cm 2 (range 8.1 to 14.4 cm