title: Application of a shape-memory alloy internal fixator for treatment of acetabular fractures with a follow-up of two to nine years in China.
abstract: Displaced acetabular fractures should be treated surgically. Over the past decade, surgical approaches to the acetabulum and the surgical technique for repair of common fracture patterns have advanced. Excellent outcomes after repair of these injuries can be achieved. The aim of this study was to assess the medium-term results of reconstruction of acetabular fractures by using shape-memory alloy designed by the authors. This is a retrospective review conducted at a level 1 trauma centre. From October 1999 to July 2009, 19 patients with acetabular fractures were treated with our patented Ni-Ti shape-memory alloy acetabular tridimensional memory alloy-fixation system (ATMFS). The ATMFS device was cooled with ice before implantation and then warmed to 40-50°C after implantation to produce balanced axial and compression forces that would stabilise the fracture three dimensionally. Our results are as follows; according to the D'Aubigne-Postel scoring system: Fifteen cases out of 19 (79%) achieved excellent or good clinical results. In two patients, late complications included avascular necrosis of the femoral head (ANFH) associated with posterior dislocation of the hip joint two years after the operation. We also observed two cases of grade II or III ectopic ossification, with good hip function, and one case of traumatic arthritis. In conclusion, these results demonstrate the effectiveness of the ATMFS device for the management of acetabular fracture. The device provides continuous compression of the fracture with minimal disruption to the local blood supply.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Changhai Hospital, The Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.
authors.forename: Xinwei
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Shuogui
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Xu
authors.forename: Chuncai
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: Jiacan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Su
authors.forename: Baoqing
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Yu
mesh_terms: D000077:Acetabulum / Q000293:injuries* / Q000503:physiopathology; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000497:Alloys; D002681:China; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D017102:Fracture Healing; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery*; D006622:Hip Prosthesis; D006801:Humans; D016268:Internal Fixators; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009532:Nickel; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014025:Titanium; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D016138:Walking; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000497:Alloys; D009532:Nickel; D014025:Titanium