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Biomedical subjects

H G Watts

Publications and source records attributed to H G Watts.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Stabilization of the interphalangeal joint of the big toe: comparison of three methods.

Three methods of stabilizing the IP of the big toe were compared. In group A, 10 patients underwent tenodesis of the extensor hallucis longus to the extensor digitorum brevis tendon. All of them developed a toe-drop; two patients had significant symptoms that required IP fusion. In group B, 19 patients underwent IP fusion using smooth or threaded intramedullary Kirschner wire fixation. There were nine nonunions, three requiring refusion. In group C, 32 patients underwent IP fusion using intramedullary screw fixation. There was one nonunion with screw failure that required revision. Although none of our patients considered the toe-drop after extensor hallucis longus tenodesis cosmetically unacceptable, this may not be so in other cultures. All complications following IP fusion with screw fixation were technical and are avoidable. When stabilization of IP is required, we recommend fusion of IP with screw fixation.

Adolescent

Rotation osteotomy of the tibia after poliomyelitis. A review of 51 patients.

After severe poliomyelitis, which is still relatively common in some developing countries, lateral rotation deformity of the tibia may occur. We have reviewed 51 patients treated by O'Donoghue's rotation osteotomy of the tibia. An average lateral rotation deformity of 57 degrees was fully corrected in all the patients, and in 38 of them the graft obtained during the osteotomy was used for a simultaneous Grice-Green subtalar arthrodesis in one or both feet. All the osteotomies united in an average of 11 weeks, some with relatively minor and unintentional posterior angulation. There was no posterior angulation when the length of the step cut osteotomy was 4.5 cm or more. O'Donoghue's osteotomy is a simple and safe operation, being particularly advantageous if a Grice-Green procedure is also required.

Adolescent

Osteonecrosis after renal transplantation in children.

Osteonecrosis occurred in nine of thirty-six children following renal transplantation. The distal femoral condyle was the most common location but the femoral head was the most symptomatic and required total hip replacement in three of five patients. Total steroid dosage did not correlate with the development of osteonecrosis. There were no cases of osteonecrosis in patients under the skeletal age of ten years or in patients who did not have rejection reactions. In three children non-progressive focal lesions developed, similar to those of osteochondritis dissecans.

Adolescent

The split-heel technique in the management of calcaneal osteomyelitis in children. Report of three cases.

Three cases are reported in which the split-heel technique was successfully used in the management of calcaneal osteomyelitis in children. Antibiotic therapy and debridement when necessary through medial or lateral incisions will usually eradicate the infection. Gaenslen's technique is recommended for refractory cases or patients with a draining sinus centrally located on the plantar aspect of the heel. An excellent functional result can be obtained. In general, excision of the calcaneus for chronic osteomyelitis in children is not necessary.

Adolescent