title: Four-corner arthrodesis concentrator of nickel-titanium memory alloy for carpal collapse: a report on 18 cases.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the treatment of carpal collapse using a four-corner arthrodesis concentrator of nickel-titanium memory alloy.
  
  
  METHODS
  From August 2006 to August 2010, 18 patients with carpal collapse had scaphoid excision and four-corner (capitate, lunate, triquetrum, and hamate) arthrodesis using a nickel-titanium memory alloy four-corner arthrodesis concentrator. The mean follow-up time was 30 months (range, 12-48). Various wrist parameters, including grip strength, wrist motion, and degree of pain were recorded and compared before and after surgery.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The average fusion time was 2.3 months (range, 2-4). Neither nonunion nor wound infection was found in any of the patients. At one year follow-up, the grip strength had reached 80% of that of the healthy side, whereas the range of motion was greater than 50% of the contralateral side. After the surgery, the mean pain scores were improved.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Four-corner arthrodesis using a nickel-titanium memory alloy four-corner arthrodesis concentrator effectively treated carpal collapse and preserved most wrist function.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Kunming General Hospital, Kunming, China.
authors.forename: Yong-qing
authors.initials: YQ
authors.lastname: Xu
authors.forename: Bao-chuang
authors.initials: BC
authors.lastname: Qi
authors.forename: Xin-yu
authors.initials: XY
authors.lastname: Fan
authors.forename: Xiao-shan
authors.initials: XS
authors.lastname: Xu
authors.forename: Sheng
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lu
authors.forename: Jing
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ding
mesh_terms: D000497:Alloys / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001174:Arthrodesis / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D018737:Hand Strength; D006801:Humans; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D009532:Nickel / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014025:Titanium / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014955:Wrist Joint / Q000503:physiopathology*
chemical_list: D000497:Alloys; C040654:titanium nickelide; D009532:Nickel; D014025:Titanium