ABSTRACT
Objective To develop a new method of treating fractures and nonunion of radial and ulnar diaphyses. Methods We designed a kind of radius-ulna shape memory connector (RSMC) on the basis of the shape memory property of nitinol alloy and the anatomic characteristics of radial and ulnar diaphyses. It is capable of providing 3-D fixation and exerting continually longitudinal compression upon fracture sites. It was used in 31 cases (57 bones) of fresh fractures and 39 cases (53 bones) of nonunion, totaling 70 cases (110 bones). Results The mean follow-up time was 1.5 years(from 7 months to 2 years). In the fresh fracture group, no delayed union or nonunion was observed, and the solid bone healing time averaged 2.3 months. In the nonunion group, all the cases were cured at one time and the solid bone healing time averaged 3.5 months, but two cases were complicated with slight skin infection which had little influence on the internal fixation and bone healing. Conclusion RSMC can provide a new and efficacious method for the treatment of fracture and nonunion of radial and ulnar diaphyses.