nitinol and Humeral-Fractures

For the treatment of proximal humerus fractures, the intramedullary nitinol scaffold is a novel implant that has gained popularity and demonstrated promising 1-year outcomes as an alternative to bone grafting for providing intramedullary structural support to the humeral head. The aim of this video is to demonstrate the insertion of this device safely, while highlighting potential pitfalls, in a 67-year-old patient with a displaced, varus angulated 2-part proximal humerus fracture.

Topics: Aged; Alloys; Bone Plates; Epiphyses; Fracture Fixation, Internal; Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary; Humans; Humeral Fractures; Humeral Head; Humerus; Shoulder Fractures; Treatment Outcome

Preparation of the scorpion-like dynamic nitinol osteo-connector (NT-SDOC) and its clinical application in 57 cases were reported. The apparatus was designed with two longitudinal pressure hooks and two to eight semicircular fixation hooks, which could exert an axial continuing stress of 24-56kg on the fracture ends until bone union. Of the 57 cases 31 were fracture and 26 were nonunion, as no plaster cast was applied postoperatively, all patients could exercise their injured arms early. Follow-up was 4 to 32 months with an average of 13.7 months. The osteo-plate substitution was shown at the fracture site at an average of 2.2 months in 31 cases, and at the nonunion site with an average of 3.64 months in 26 cases. No postoperative infection, nonunion and other complications were observed NT-S DOC was removed in 46 cases at about 6 months postoperatively. No refracture occurred at the osteo-plate substitution site.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Alloys; Female; Fracture Fixation, Internal; Fractures, Ununited; Humans; Humeral Fractures; Internal Fixators; Male; Middle Aged; Nickel; Radius Fractures; Titanium; Ulna Fractures