Penile fracture at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital: a retrospective analysis.

Fracture of the penis is rupture of the tunica albuginea and the usual cause is abrupt bending of the erect penis by blunt trauma. Trauma during sexual relation is responsible for approximately one third of all cases. The incidence of urethral injuries associated with this condition ranged from 2.0% to 38.0%. Twelve patients who presented to emergency over a period of 4 years with diagnosis of penile fracture were reviewed retrospectively. Patient's profile and all relevant data were noted from charts. The etiology of fracture was related to coital activity in 6 (50.0%) cases while other denied such act. Surgery was performed on all the patients and discharged from hospital on removal of urethral catheter. Follow up continued until restoration of normal penile function without complaint. So fracture of the penis is an injury that can be diagnosed clinically and needs emergency surgical correction for better result.

Effect of curing cycles on the mechanical properties of heat cured acrylic resins.

Traditionally long curing cycles have been recommended for heat cured acrylic resin denture base materials. Recently manufacturers have produced materials for which they recommend short curing cycles. Specimens conforming to British Standards Specification were made using three different brands of heat cured acrylic resin denture base material. Each material was processed in three batches using either the manufacturer's recommended short curing cycle, an arbitrary medium curing cycle or a traditional long cycle. Specimens were subjected to a three point bending test. With one exception using the arbitrary medium curing cycle, all specimens achieved the British Standard suggesting that the manufacturers' recommended cycles should be followed.