Insights into the evaluation of the abiotic and biotic degradation rate of commercial pro-oxidant filled polyethylene (PE) thin films.

In this study, commercial products formulated from polyethylene (PE) with pro-oxidant additives, were subjected to abiotic and biotic environments. The materials were presumed to be oxo-biodegradable plastics with thicknesses varying between 30 and 70 μm, and calcium carbonate (CaCO) filler content reaching up to 11 wt%. Accelerated (aging) weathering tests conducted revealed that UV radiation triggered the biodegradation mechanism.

Cementless Zweymüller hip replacement: a short-term follow-up in Al Razi Hospital, Kuwait.

Objective: To present initial experience of the first 71 cases of cementless total hip replacement in Al Razi Hospital.

Subject And Methods: Between 1996 and 2004, total hip replacement was performed in 71 patients (40 male, 31 female, average age 40.7 years, range 17-74) using Zweymüller cementless prosthesis.

Radioanatomical measurements of the medullary cavity of the humerus in Kuwait: ethnic differences and clinical implications for fracture fixation.

Objective: To compare the difference in diameter of the medullary cavity of the humerus in Arab and South Asian patients in Kuwait.

Subjects And Methods: In 46 patients (29 Arab, 17 South Asian) treated at Al-Razi Hospital, Kuwait, for diaphyseal fracture of the humerus, the medullary cavity of the humerus on the radiographs of the uninjured (contralateral side) was examined. Bone density was also measured.

Incidence of hip fracture in Kuwait.

Background: Hip fracture as a consequence of osteoporosis is an important cause of morbidity and mortality among the elderly. Due to improving life expectancy, the number of elderly individuals is increasing more rapidly in the developing countries of Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and South America. Incidence of hip fracture, which rises exponentially with age, varies substantially between countries and according to the age, sex, and ethnic distribution of the population.

Size of osteonecrosis of the knee.

In the Swedish Multicenter Study of Knee Arthroplasty, 115 knees in 110 patients with knee osteonecrosis represented all reported cases treated with knee arthroplasty in the period from 1975 to 1986. Primary medial femoral condyle osteonecrosis was the most common osteonecrosis reported (89%). Preoperative roentgenograms were staged according to the type of osteonecrosis and classified according to the grade of arthrosis.