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In young patients, the results of cemented hip joint replacement are less than satisfactory on account of the high rate of aseptic loosening involving in particular the acetabular component. With the aid of suitable uncemented prostheses and a meticulous surgical technique, the results obtained in this group can be improved. On an interim basis, an uncemented acetabular component may be combined with a cemented femoral component. The problem of wear and foreign body-induced bone resorption remains unsolved. New materials will possibly rectify this problem. Customized prostheses have opened up new possibilities, in particular for the severely deformed hip joint, but whether they will improve the results of standard replacements has yet to be shown. Before introducing a new prosthesis, thorough use should be made of the testing possibilities available. In the elderly patient with a reduced life expectancy, the cemented prostheses continue to be the method of first choice, since it permits immediate pain-free weight-bearing.

Pain affecting the elbow joint may be caused by a number of different pathologies. In principle, these can be grouped by causality criteria into degenerative causes, inflammatory causes, tumor disease, congenital disease and the sequelae of trauma. The majority of these latter are associated with typical clinical symptoms that can be established with the aid of a systematic clinical examination, history-taking, inspection, palpation, an examination of joint mobility, and finally radiography. In this way, the diagnosis can rapidly be established.

Owing to the relatively high incidence of this condition (2 in 1,000 neonates) and the poor functional outcome of inadequate treatment, clubfoot represents a major clinical problem. Although its etiology is not fully known, modern three-dimensional analyses have led to a better understanding of the pathomorphology and provide a new basis for a differentiated therapeutic strategy. Of central importance is early diagnosis and immediate postpartum initiation of primarily conservative treatment taking the form of intensive redressment measures. Depending on the residual deformity, an appropriate surgical procedure aimed at achieving complete correction should be done between the age of 4 to 6 months. To ensure a lasting positive outcome, rigorous follow-up physiotherapeutic treatment and close surveillance are essential.