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Pyle's disease is rare skeletal dysplasia in which a defect in metaphyseal remodeling leads to grossly widened metaphyses of long bones. Genu valgum, one of the few clinical findings in this disease, may warrant surgical intervention. Postoperative healing is documented only in Pyle's original patient. A case is presented in which bilateral osteotomies were performed through the proximal tibia for progressive genu valgum. The osteotomies healed within 12 weeks when treatment was performed with standard techniques. This information will allow osteotomies to be performed with confidence.

Resections for high-grade musculoskeletal sarcomas are feasible. For osteosarcomas, they appear to be safe if performed properly. For other sarcomas, there are insufficient data. A major issue is whether such procedures are worthwhile. For lesions of the upper extremity, resections are clearly advantageous over amputations. For lesions in the lower extremities proximal to the knee joint, resection is usually preferable, while those below the knee joint are best amputated. Lesions involving the knee are the most challenging problems.

Three cases are reported in which the split-heel technique was successfully used in the management of calcaneal osteomyelitis in children. Antibiotic therapy and debridement when necessary through medial or lateral incisions will usually eradicate the infection. Gaenslen's technique is recommended for refractory cases or patients with a draining sinus centrally located on the plantar aspect of the heel. An excellent functional result can be obtained. In general, excision of the calcaneus for chronic osteomyelitis in children is not necessary.

A brace for the non-operative treatment of scoliosis constructed without a metal superstructure is preferred by teenage patients. Preliminary results show that a 50-60% correction can be achieved as measured on standing X-rays in the brace. Three quarters of these patients have no skin problems associated with brace wearing. In several years when these patients have reached skeletal maturity and have spent 1 year out of their braces, it will be possible to determine whether the short term results are comparable to the standard set by the Milwaukee Brace.