nitinol and Ulna-Fractures

Shape-memory alloy (SMA) staples are a recent innovation in fracture fixation. These staples have inherent compressive properties that create a stable fracture environment that promotes primary bone healing. They have been used successfully for osteotomies, arthrodesis, and fracture fixation. Understanding where SMA staple compression can be optimized and using proper indications are important for obtaining consistent success and minimizing failures. SMA staples are not a substitute for lag screw fixation or traditional plate and screw constructs.

Topics: Acetabulum; Adult; Alloys; Biomechanical Phenomena; Clavicle; Compressive Strength; Equipment Design; Fracture Fixation, Internal; Fractures, Bone; Humans; Male; Pelvic Bones; Radius Fractures; Sutures; Ulna Fractures

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