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Osteotomy for osteoarthritis of the knee has established itself well since its first description by Jackson and Waugh [8, 9]. Internal fixation with staples allows early functional treatment with only a minimum of operative intervention. Removal of the metal is optional. In the 5-year period from 1986 to 1990, 182 high tibial osteotomies were performed at the Orthopaedic Department of the University Hospital of Freiburg. In four cases internal fixation was done with plates; in 178 cases two or more staples were used; in 3 cases a screw was additionally inserted for better hold. The staples became loose intraoperatively in eight cases (4.5%); only once did a dislocated staple have to be reoperated on post-operatively. Further complications which are independent of the method of internal fixation are summarized in the article. Complications of surgery on the long bones of the leg are inevitable, but with only one postoperatively dislocated staple and one case of non-infected pseudarthrosis (i.e. a method-related complication rate of 1.1%), internal fixation with staples for high tibial osteotomy presents itself as a reliable and safe procedure.

As part of an audit of clinical practice in an orthopaedic unit for elective surgery, a study was made of the causes of cancellation of operations. Despite careful liaison with general practitioners, and a booked admission policy, over 6% of patients were cancelled as unsuitable. The results of this study suggest that the number of cancellations on medical grounds would be reduced by closer liaison with general practitioners, and the establishment of preadmission clinics. Ensuring that only consultants book patients for surgery would also reduce the number of cancellations due to incorrect indications for surgery.

In feeding experiments with pigs and fish (carp and trout) the test animals received quotas of activated sludge of 7.5 and 15% DM (pigs) and 20% (carp) in their mixed feed. In an experiment with trout in an aquarium the quota of activated sludge was increased from 20% to 50%. The benzo(a)pyrene content was ascertained in selected organs of the pigs (kidney, liver, bacon, muscles) and the edible parts of the fish. As a result of this experiment one can say that the feeding of activated sludge from pig manure does not result in an increased benzo(a)pyrene content in the tested organs of the pigs and the edible parts of the fish.