Treatment of nonunion of ulnar and radial fractures with swan-like memory compressive connector and autogenous bone grafts

Objective: To explore the treatment of nonunion of ulnar and radial shaft fractures with a new internal fixation device named swan-like memory compressive connector （SMC） made of nitinol-titanium memory alloy. Methods: From August 1990 to August 2002,58 cases of nonunion of ulnar and radial shaft fractures were treated with SMC and autogenous bone grafts. Resluts: 58 cases were followed up from 5.5 months to 6 years,average 2.5 years.After an average of 3.8 months,the nonunion sites were substituted by plate-like bone.Eventually all cases achieved bony healing,no infection,refrecture after removing SMC and dysfunctions of joint caused by SMC. Concludion: SMC, which holding bone on multi-point axially, compressing bone longitudinally, being operated easily,being a new and effective technique for nonunion of ulnar and radial fractures,is worthy of wide application in clinic.