A method is proposed to determine the elasto-plastic properties of a thin aluminium alloy lining of a bearing system from micro-indentation tests. This indentation process was modelled using an axi-symmetric FE model which was validated against experimental force-indentation curves from materials with known elasto-plastic properties. A fuller database of force-indentation curves has been generated by running the FE model with a range of elasto-plastic properties. This larger database has been used in adaptive numerical modelling to derive a generic model for the indent size as a function of load, elastic limit, yield strength and strain hardening coefficient and exponent in aluminium alloys. The adaptive numerical model was subsequently used to interpolate between the time-intensive FE results. Based on iterations of the most appropriate adaptive model, the elastic limit, yield strength and strain hardening exponent of a bearing alloy have been determined from the experimental micro hardness force-indentation depth curves for the same material.

The aim of this study was to evaluate any possible benefits of early thromboprophylactic treatment in the preven tion of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in high-risk hip fracture patients. Within 30 months, 239 patients were included in a double-blind placebo-controlled study. With the diagnosis of hip fracture confirmed, patients received either 40-mg Enoxa parin s.c. or placebo once daily until operation. Postoperatively, all patients received 40-mg Enoxaparin s.c. once daily until phlebography. Phlebography was first performed on the oper ated leg, and with no thrombosis detected, the other leg was investigated as well. The two groups did not differ demograph ically. Eighty-five patients were excluded. Eight patients died during the study period. The remaining 146 patients had as cending phlebography performed and 24 patients (16.4%) de veloped DVT. Nine (12%) of 75 patients in the Klexane® and 15 (21 %) of 72 patients in the placebo group developed DVT. The risk ratio was 0.58 (95% confidence limits 0.27-1.25) and p = .15 (X2 test). There was no difference in perioperative bleeding or transfusion requirements. We conclude that Klex ane® is an effective and safe thromboprophylactic agent in hip fracture patients. Key Words: Hip fracture—Thrombopro phylaxis—Low—molecular heparin.

Purpose: to evaluate the accuracy of triplex ultrasound (TUS) compared with venography as a screening test for deep venous thrombosis (DVT), and to evaluate interobserver variation in the interpretation of the venographic studies. Material and Methods: A total of 133 postoperative hip fracture patients, asymptomatic of DVT, were prospectively examined with TUS and venography. All venograms were reviewed blindly and in case of disagreement a consensus was arrived at. Results: the incidence of DVT was 20%, with isolated calf vein thrombi in 63% of the cases. There were 7 false-negative and one false-positive result/s at TUS, with a sensitivity of 74%, specificity of 99% and accuracy of 97%. the kappa values ranged from 0.58 to 0.82. the false-negative results were all caused by missed calf vein thrombi in technically inadequate examinations. at sonography 2% of vein segments were noninterpretable, compared to 29% at venography. Conclusion: Venous US is less sensitive as a test for DVT in this study of asymptomatic patients than in earlier studies on symptomatic patients. Still, sonographic screening of high-risk patients would be both effective and cost effective. Fresh thrombi may cause a false-negative compression test.

Twenty-one patients with benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), and a weight of transurethrally resected tissue exceeding 80 g (Group 1), were compared to a control group of 30 patients with a weight of resected tissue less than 80 g (Group 2) with regard to the peri-and postoperative course and the symptomatic and urodynamic results of surgery. All patients were followed 12 months postoperatively. In both groups more than 90% of the patients were satisfied with the result of the operation. However, the obstructive symptoms were better relieved than the irritative symptoms. The group who had large resections performed had a longer operating time and a greater perioperative blood loss than the group of minor resections. No differences were found with regard to other peri- or postoperative complications or subjective results. Transurethral resection is safe and efficient in treating BPH, also with very large prostates.

A questionnaire was given to all participants of the Wonderful Copenhagen Marathon 1986 regarding demographic information, health, training, previous injuries and methods used to prevent these. A total load of 2158 Danish runners participated and 1426 (68 per cent) replied. Fifty per cent of the runners were training 30-60 km per week and 25 per cent more than 60 km per week. Forty-one per cent were members of running clubs. The runners were equally distributed between all social groups. Most runners were slim (mean BMI 22.3 +/- 1.87 (SD)), healthy, non-smokers who rarely suffered from serious injuries, but 31 per cent had had injuries that prevented them from training during the last year. Nearly all performed stretching exercises and methods to avoid injuries. Fifty per cent of the runners tried to optimize their performance by changing their diet in the days before the run. Seventeen per cent used the classical high carbohydrate diet and 33 per cent other special diets.

The literature concerning embolization of the renal artery in patients with renal cell carcinoma is reviewed. Based on this review it is concluded that the method is useful in this patient group as it will facilitate the surgical procedure if nephrectomy is performed afterwards. Used as a palliative method, embolization reduces haematuria. It was not possible to draw conclusions concerning survival rates or eventual immuno-stimulating effects of embolization.

A case of prostatic‐type polyp in the wall of the urinary bladder in a 73‐year‐old male is presented. The literature concerning ectopic prostatic tissue in the urinary tract is reviewed and it is concluded that the lesion is benign. However, recurrence has been reported in two cases. The etiology and pathogenesis is unknown.