Author(s): Jia-can Su*, Xin-wei Liu*, Chun-cai Zhang, Hua-peng Guan, Zhuo-dong Li, Lie-hu Cao
Journal: Journal of Orthopaedics
ISSN 0972-978X
Volume: 5;
Issue: 2;
Date: 2008;
Original page
Keywords: Humeral shaft | Fracture | Nonunion | internal fixation
ABSTRACT
Objective: To develop a new method of treating fractures and nonunion of humeral shaft. Methods: A nitinol connector named swan-like memory compressive connector (SMC) was designed. The biomechanics test included photoelasticity, electrometric method and three dimensional finite element analysis were employed. In clinical application, 105 cases of nonunion of a humeral shaft fracture between 1990 to 2001 were analyzed retrospectively. Among the 95 patients, there were 56 males and 39 females with an average age of 46.2 years (range from 17 to 71 years). All the nonunions were managed by open reduction and internal fixation with SMC and cancellous bone graft. The mean follow-up period was was an average of 38 months (range from 25 to 81 months).Results: All nonunion fractures united within an average of 16 weeks (range 10-26 weeks) and the nonunion sites were substituted by plate-like bone. At the final follow-up, shoulder and elbow functions of the operated limbs were all satisfactory.Conclusions: The SMC provided a new method for fracture fixation and treatment of bone nonunion for upper limb diaphysis, and maybe develop a new way to prompt bone healing.
Journal: Journal of Orthopaedics
ISSN 0972-978X
Volume: 5;
Issue: 2;
Date: 2008;
Original page
Keywords: Humeral shaft | Fracture | Nonunion | internal fixation
ABSTRACT
Objective: To develop a new method of treating fractures and nonunion of humeral shaft. Methods: A nitinol connector named swan-like memory compressive connector (SMC) was designed. The biomechanics test included photoelasticity, electrometric method and three dimensional finite element analysis were employed. In clinical application, 105 cases of nonunion of a humeral shaft fracture between 1990 to 2001 were analyzed retrospectively. Among the 95 patients, there were 56 males and 39 females with an average age of 46.2 years (range from 17 to 71 years). All the nonunions were managed by open reduction and internal fixation with SMC and cancellous bone graft. The mean follow-up period was was an average of 38 months (range from 25 to 81 months).Results: All nonunion fractures united within an average of 16 weeks (range 10-26 weeks) and the nonunion sites were substituted by plate-like bone. At the final follow-up, shoulder and elbow functions of the operated limbs were all satisfactory.Conclusions: The SMC provided a new method for fracture fixation and treatment of bone nonunion for upper limb diaphysis, and maybe develop a new way to prompt bone healing.