- Yan-ming Cao: Department of Orthopedics, Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical College, Guangzhou 510260, China.
OBJECTIVE: To study the biomechanical characteristics of Ni-Ti shape-memory alloy-enclosed interlocking intramedular nail Ni-Ti En for clinical application.
METHODS: Six transverse fractures were induced in 6 fresh humeral shafts and fixed with Ni-Ti En, plate, interlocking intramedullary nail, and Ender nail, respectively. The specimens then underwent stress analysis for comparison of the bending strength, twisting force, and flexibility.
RESULTS: The bending strength of Ni-Ti En was not significantly different from that of the plate and better than ender's nail; the twisting force of the interlocking intramedullary nail was comparable with the plate, but better than Ender nail.
CONCLUSION: Ni-Ti Enpossess good biomechanical property to meet the demand of osteosynthesis, and its less stress protection, freedom of distant nail locking, flexibility and stable fixation may accelerate fracture healing.