Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Screw loosening and plate breakage are common factors that affect fracture healing. Ni-Ti shape memory alloy embracing fixator has good mechanics, biocompatibility and low biodegeneration.
OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical outcome of Ni-Ti shape memory alloy embracing fixator and reconstruction plate fixation in treatment of displaced or comminuted midshaft fractures of the ulna and radius.
METHODS: A total of 56 patients with displaced or comminuted midshaft fractures of the ulna and radius were surgically treated with either Ni-Ti shape memory alloy embracing fixator or reconstruction plate fixation between April 2004 and March 2009 in Department of Orthopedics, First Hospital of Lanzhou University. Twenty-six were treated with Ni-Ti shape memory alloy embracing fixator and 30 with reconstruction plate fixation. All patients were followed up from 1, 2, 4, 6, 12 months following internal fixation, and forearm function was evaluated using Anderson standards.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Compared with reconstruction plate fixation group, Ni-Ti shape memory alloy embracing fixator operating was simpler, took shorter operation time and less blood, and required smaller wound incision (P < 0.05) with wide indications, high excellent and good rate of functional recovery, and early allow for functional exercise. However, there was no statistical difference in terms of hospital stay, time of removing fixation, bone union rate between two groups (P < 0.05). The Ni-Ti shape memory alloy embracing fixator is better than reconstruction plate fixation in treatment of midshaft fractures of the ulna and radius.