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Meniscal suture using an arthroscopic route is a safe method with an extremely low percentage of failure and complications. The two techniques most commonly used (from inside to outside and from outside to inside) are similar. The introduction of the needle as far as possible from neurovascular structures makes the outside-inside technique less risky. In the event of associated rupture of LCA ligament reconstruction must always be performed as well as the repair of the meniscus. Isokinetic evaluation has confirmed the rapidity of functional recovery times.

The authors examine the use of a halo-vest brace in the treatment of fractures of the upper cervical spine. This brace forms a valid alternative to the classic plaster cast in that it is easily positioned, well tolerated by the patient and has a high restrictive capacity for the centre of the fracture. In the cases treated by the authors no complications were reported during treatment, and consolidation time was shortened by 30 days in relation to traditional plaster cast treatment.

The paper examines a microsurgical technique of neurolysis and epineurotomy in the treatment of the carpal tunnel syndrome. The cases reported comprise an homogeneous group of 61 "idiopathic" syndromes (slight chronic tenovaginitis of the flexors) at the irritative or sensitive stage. A complete recovery was obtained in 70% of cases and patient assessment was good is 90% of cases. From the authors' point of view, the most interesting findings was the complete absence of problems relating to the palm of the hand following renewed activity.

The paper describes the surgical technique of microdiscectomy used in lumbar slipped disk and its clinical indications. A total of 113 patients were treated with microdiscectomy over a period of 4 years with positive results in 90% of cases.

The authors describe the technique of percutaneous fine needle aspiration in contained lumbar slipped disk and its clinical indications. The paper reports a series of 20 patients treated two years with positive results in 75% of cases.

The characteristics of a third type of viral hepatitis, defined as non-A, non-B are analysed on the basis of the most recent reported findings. The problems of identification of the aetiological agent, its transmisibility in animals, the carrier condition, its possible evolution into chronic and fulminating forms, the effectiveness of immune globulin prophylaxis and epidemiological and clinical aspects are discussed. Reference is then made to the results of an epidemiological study of 293 patients with acute viral hepatitis, admitted to the Infectious Diseases Division of Parma Hospital. Diagnosis of non-A, non-B hepatitis was formulated, by exclusion, in 64 cases (21.8%). Intragroup studies pointed to an intermediate period of incubation and clinico-biochemical picture between A and B hepatitis the possible non-parenteral contagion route and possibilities of recurrence and development into chronic forms. Further information on hepatitis or on non-A, non-B hepatitis, can be provided by screenings based on antigen C demonstration (AgHC).