[Cervical extraosseous Ewing sarcoma]

A case of extraosseous Ewing's sarcoma is presented. The clinical, morphological and imaging characteristics of this rare neoplasm are briefly discussed.

Observer variation in the radiographic classification of fractures of the neck of the femur using Garden's system

By means of Kappa statistics, we calculated the inter- and intra-observer variation in the classification of fractures of the neck of the femur according to Garden's system. Radiographs of 96 consecutive patients were assessed independently by six observers who agreed on classification for only 14 fractures (15%). The level of agreement was poor for the overall classification (Kappa = 0.39). When reducing Garden's system into non-displaced (Stage I and II) and displaced fractures (Stage III and IV) the level of agreement became acceptable (Kappa = 0.68). However, problems remain in distinguishing Stage II and Stage III fractures, and further improvements in the classification system are necessary.

[Hemi-alloplasty in the treatment of proximal humeral fractures]

Twenty-four cases of displaced proximal humeral fractures were treated by hemiarthroplasty. No postoperative infections were seen. Follow-up was 24 month (range 12 to 62) in 19 patients. Pain relief was satisfactory in all patients but one. Functional results according to a modified Neer score system were good in nine, fair in eight and poor in two cases. No statistical differences in results in relation to postinjury delay or other parameters were found. Hemiarthroplasty is thus a safe treatment for displaced humeral fractures with a satisfactory end result.