RESUMO
Objective To investigate the effects of swan shaped memory connector(SMC) on the bone mineral density and mechanical properties of humeral fracture in rabbits in order to disclose the mechanism of SMC stimulating fracture healing. Methods Shafts of both humeri of 40 rabbits were osteotomized. One side was selected to fix with SMC, but the contralateral side was fixed with the 4 hole dynamic compression plate (DCP). Eight rabbits were sacrificed and the humeri were harvested respectively at 2, 4, 8, 12 and 16 weeks after operation. The bone mineral density(BMD) was examined by dual energy radiographic absorptiometry(DRA). The mechanical properties were assessed by mechanical traction test. Results From 4 to 16 weeks after operation, the BMD in SMC group was significantly higher than that in DCP group ( P