Fitzgerald, Robert H.

ABSTRACT In experience with total joint replacement in the lower extremity, to date, total hip arthroplasty has been the most successful. Total arthroplasty operations as applied to the knee and ankle are giving promising results. These methods offer new avenues for relief of pain and deformity and stabilization of arthritic joints in the lower extremity.

ABSTRACT The indications and contraindications for use of intrasynovial steroid therapy are discussed. When properly used, the intrasynovial injection of steroids is a valuable method of treatment.

The penetrations of methicillin, oxacillin, and cephalothin into cortical bone and synovial tissues were studied 1 h after their intravenous administration in 105 patients having arthroplasty of the hip. Although the lowest serum levels were noted with cephalothin ( P < 0.01), more patients receiving cephalothin achieved osseous drug levels inhibitory to staphylococci ( P < 0.01). Differences in the penetration of the three agents into synovial tissues were not statistically significant.