Given that outlook, corporate profits should continue to grow solidly next year, he said.

At least arthrodesis is an operation that will immobilise a joint so that the bones grow solidly together.

"The economy is growing steadily and solidly," said Donald Fine, chief market analyst for Chase Securities.

The economy is growing solidly in most of the nation except California, the Federal Reserve said, as the Government reported a surge in factory orders.

Most forecasters still think that the economy will grow solidly this year, especially in the second half, as the Fed rate cuts kick in.

"Our exports are growing solidly within our expectations," he said.

He added: "Right now the economy is growing steadily and solidly, and at a noninflationary pace.

And a cheaper dollar helped keep exports growing solidly during the first two years of economic recovery.

It helped that the missile and electronic businesses are growing solidly.

Arthrodesis is defined as, "the surgical immobilization of a joint so that the bones grow solidly together."