title: Shape memory Ni-Ti alloy swan-like bone connector for treatment of humeral shaft nonunion.
abstract: From August 1990 to December 2007, 156 patients with humeral shaft nonunion were treated with our patented Ni-Ti shape memory alloy swan-like memory pressure connector (SMC). The SMC device cooled with ice before implantation was warmed to 40-50 degrees C after implantation to produce balanced axial and compression forces to stabilise the fracture three-dimensionally. This combined with autologous bone grafting achieved bone tissue regeneration in the fracture and promoted smooth recovery of joint function, with a nonunion healing rate of 98.7% after a single SMC implantation. Failure of nonunion healing occurred in only two cases but was successfully managed by a further operation. Complications were not found in any of these patients apart from four with pre-existing radial nerve injuries. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of the SMC device for the management of humeral shaft nonunion. The device provides continuous compression of the fracture with minimal trauma to the local blood supply.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, People's Republic of China.
authors.forename: Jia-Can
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Su
authors.forename: Xin-Wei
authors.initials: XW
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Bao-Qing
authors.initials: BQ
authors.lastname: Yu
authors.forename: Zhuo-Dong
authors.initials: ZD
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Ming
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Chun-Cai
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Zhang
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000497:Alloys; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D017102:Fracture Healing; D005599:Fractures, Ununited / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D006810:Humeral Fractures / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009532:Nickel; D009984:Orthopedic Fixation Devices; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D014025:Titanium
chemical_list: D000497:Alloys; C040654:titanium nickelide; D009532:Nickel; D014025:Titanium