Distal radial fractures account for 14%of all extremity injuries and can occur as a result of either a high-energy trauma with probable impairme nt to the function of the upper extremity or a low-energy injury commonly seen in osteoporotic elderly.While the comminuted intra-articular distal radial fractures have always been challenging to surgeons,obtaining a stable fixation in the elderly osteoporotic bone might just be equally difficult.In the past,elderly fragility fractures of the distal radius were often treated with manipulation and casting,despite the fact that most would heal with significant shortening and malalignment.The need for a better outcome in this common fracture is recently revisited as newer methods of treatment are devised.The injection of a calcium phosphate cement such as Norian SRS using a minimally invasive technique has been shown to accelerate rehabilitation,although there seems to be little effect in the final radiological appearance.Recently,various locking screws and implants are rapidly gaining in popularity in certain regions.These implants come with screws that directly engage the plate,creating fixed angle bolts and thus offer a better fixation in the osteoporotic bone.Indeed,In the near future,an increasing number of osteoporotic wrist fractures will be treated with surger y and the time has come when we need to rethink about our treatment strategy in dealing with such a common injury.

Objective To diagnose and evaluate soft tissue injuries in intra-articular fractures of the distal radius using arthroscopy. Methods Twenty young patients with displaced intra-articular fractures of distal radius were recruited in this prospective study. Three AO C2 and 17 C3 fractures were included. After arthroscopic examination fractures of distal radius were treated by external fixation with limited internal fixation or open plate fixation.Results Triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) injury was found in 18 patients (90%) . Most were isolated Palmer type 1D injuries (67 %). Scapho-lunate ligament injury was found in two patients: one partial tear (grade Ⅱ) and one complete tear (grade Ⅲ). Follow-ups ranged from 6 to 18 months. At the last follow-up, wrist function was excellent in one patient (6%), good in eight(44%) and fair in 11 (50%). Conclusion TFCC injuries are common in intra-articular fractures of the distal radius while injuries to scapho-luuate ligament are uncommon.

BACKGROUNDChildhood cancer survivors were at risk of development of second malignant neoplasms. The aim of this study is to evaluate the incidence, risk factors and outcome of second malignant neoplasms in childhood cancer survivors in a tertiary paediatric oncology centre in Hong Kong, China.

METHODSWe performed a retrospective review of patients with childhood cancer treated in Children's Cancer Centre in Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong, China between May 1984 and June 2009. Case records of patients who developed second malignant neoplasms were reviewed.

RESULTSTotally 1374 new cases aged less than 21-year old were treated in our centre in this 25-year study period. Twelve cases developed second malignant neoplasms with 10-year and 20-year cumulative incidence of 1.3% (95% confidence interval 0.3% - 2.3%) and 2.9% (95% confidence interval 1.1% - 4.7%) respectively. Another 4 cases were referred to us from other centres for the management of second malignant neoplasms. In this cohort of 16 children with second malignant neoplasms, the most frequent second malignant neoplasms were acute leukemia or myelodysplastic syndrome (n = 6) and central nervous system tumor (n = 4). Median interval between diagnosis of primary and second malignant neoplasms was 7.4 years (range 2.1 - 13.3 years). Eight patients developed second solid tumor within the previous irradiated field. Radiotherapy significantly increased the risk of development of second solid tumor in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (P = 0.027). Seven out of 16 patients who developed second malignant neoplasms had a family history of cancer among the first or second-degree relatives. Nine patients died of progression of second malignant neoplasms, mainly resulted from second central nervous system tumor and osteosarcoma.

CONCLUSIONSCumulative incidence of second cancer in our centre was comparable to western countries. Radiotherapy was associated with second solid tumour among patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Patients who developed second brain tumor and osteosarcoma had a poor outcome.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; China ; epidemiology ; Female ; Hong Kong ; epidemiology ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Male ; Neoplasms ; epidemiology ; Neoplasms, Second Primary ; epidemiology ; Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma ; Retrospective Studies ; Survivors ; statistics & numerical data ; Young Adult