The present volume is concerned with bone surgery in the area of the facial skeleton. We find this branch of maxillofacial surgery espe- cially challenging because in our work within the Surgical Depart- ment of the University of Basle, we are constantly being confronted with the principles of internal fixation - in the care of poly- 1 traumatized patients, in organizing joint AO-ASIF courses or dur- ing trauma conferences. The problems of fracture disease and the unpleasant sequelae of unanatomical healing are by no means alien to maxillofacial surgery. Our main aim is to broaden our experience of the basic principles of stable anatomical fixation and early function in this branch of trauma and corrective surgery. It soon became apparent that pri- mary healing of fractures and osteotomies, as well as undisturbed re- vascularization of bone transplants and long-term tolerance of inert implants and joint prostheses depend on the stability of fixation un- der preload.

Functionally stable internal fixation is of particular relevance to maxillo facial surgery, because it obviates the discomforts and inconveniences of intermaxillary fixation. Given the biomechanics and biophysics of the skeletal system, the true im mobilization of bone can be achieved only through highly technical means. Willenegger speaks of an "advanced school" of bone surgery which, when fully realized, will enable excellent results to be achieved even in the most difficult fractures. To accomplish this goal, ongoing refinements are needed in surgical methods and technology. Advancing the state of operative tech nique has been a central concern of the Association for the Study of Inter nal Fixation since its establishment 25 years ago. For this reason, a major priority of the AOI ASIF has been to develop its own surgical instrumen tation. With the help of technical commissions comprised of experts from medi cine, research and manufacturing, the AOI ASIF has been able to develop and successfully test a line of surgical instruments whose trademark is known and respected the world over. For every specialty in traumatology and orthopaedics, including maxillofacial surgery, the AOIASIF has devel oped both a basic and a special instrument set designed to meet specific anatomic requirements."

Geschichte des TNM-Systems.- Prinzipien des TNM-Systems.- Allgemeine Regeln des TNM-Systems (General Rules).- Kopf- und Halstumoren.- Lippen.- Mundhoehle.- Oropharynx.- Nasopharynx.- Hypopharynx.- Larynx.- Schilddruse.- Lungentumoren.- Mammatumoren.- Tumoren des Verdauungstraktes.- OEsophagus.- Magen.- Colon.- Rectum.- Analkanal und Anus.- Gynakologische Tumoren.- Cervix uteri.- Corpus uteri.- Ovar.- Vagina.- Vulva.- Urologische Tumoren.- Niere.- Harnblase.- Prostata.- Hoden.- Penis.- Weichteilsarkome.- Hauttumoren.- Haut (ohne Melanom).- Melanom der Haut.- Morbus Hodgkin.- Kunftige Klassifikationen.- Tumoren im Kindesalter (Nephroblastom, Neuroblastom, Weichteilsarkome).- Kopf- und Halstumoren (Nasennebenhoehlen, Speicheldrusen).- Pankreastumoren.- Knochentumoren.- Tumoren des zentralen Nervensystems.- Feldstudien zur vorgeschlagenen TNM-Klassifikation.- Die Darstellung der Endergebnisse.- Statistische Behandlung von UEberlebenszeiten.