Purpose: to evaluate the accuracy of triplex ultrasound (TUS) compared with venography as a screening test for deep venous thrombosis (DVT), and to evaluate interobserver variation in the interpretation of the venographic studies. Material and Methods: A total of 133 postoperative hip fracture patients, asymptomatic of DVT, were prospectively examined with TUS and venography. All venograms were reviewed blindly and in case of disagreement a consensus was arrived at. Results: the incidence of DVT was 20%, with isolated calf vein thrombi in 63% of the cases. There were 7 false-negative and one false-positive result/s at TUS, with a sensitivity of 74%, specificity of 99% and accuracy of 97%. the kappa values ranged from 0.58 to 0.82. the false-negative results were all caused by missed calf vein thrombi in technically inadequate examinations. at sonography 2% of vein segments were noninterpretable, compared to 29% at venography. Conclusion: Venous US is less sensitive as a test for DVT in this study of asymptomatic patients than in earlier studies on symptomatic patients. Still, sonographic screening of high-risk patients would be both effective and cost effective. Fresh thrombi may cause a false-negative compression test.

This paper presents a review of all patients admitted to the orthopedic department of Frederiksberg University Hospital during a period of 10 years with a diagnosis of fracture of the scapula-a total of 18. All medical records and roentgenograms were reviewed retrospectively. We found, in agreement with the literature reviewed, an extremely high frequency-88% in our study-of high-energy trauma as a cause of scapular fractures. In 88% of the cases the scapular fracture was associated with other lesions; fractures of the ipsilateral humerus or ribs were seen with the highest incidences (44%). All patients were treated conservatively, resulting in satisfactory conditions of their scapula and shoulder girdles.

Eighteen children with dislocated fractures of the tower extremities were operated on with a dynamic axial unilateral external fixator, the Orthofix system. Telescopic facility allows easy conversion from rigid to dynamic fixation. Seven girls and 11 boys with an average age of 11 3/4 years were treated. The material comprised 10 femoral and nine tibial fractures (one girl had both fracture types). Average follow-up of these children was 19 months. Closed reduction was possible in 11 cases, and eight fractures were treated by open reduction. Physiotherapy for the adjacent joints was started on the second postoperative day. In 14 of the 18 patients, partial weight-bearing crutches was also started at this time. Average hospital stay was 13 days. At the first radiographic indication of periosteal callus, dynamic loading was started. Removal offered as an outpatient procedure, was performed after an average time of 9 weeks. In one case, pin-tract-infection developed, requiring deep soft tissue revision. No pin hole loosening, chronic infection, non-union, and or malalignment occurred. For all patients, we achieved an overall success rate of < 10-degrees angular deviation, < 1.5 cm leg length discrepancy and full range of associated joint movements.