[Treatment of fractures of proximal radius with Ni-Ti shape memory alloy embracing].

OBJECTIVE: To find out an ideal method of internal fixation for the treatment of fractures of proximal radius.

METHODS: From August 2001 to April 2004, 24 patients suffering from fractures of proximal radius were treated with Ni-Ti shape memory alloy embracing fixator. Of 24 patients, there were 19 males and 5 females, aging from 16 to 48 years; there were 9 cases of wrestling injury, 5 cases of crush injury, 4 cases of traffic accident injury, 3 cases of direct violence impact injury and 3 cases of high falling injury. All patients were given operation according to fix method of the shape memory alloy embracing fixator. All cases were regularly followed up to observe the fracture healing and functional recovery.

RESULTS: All cases were followed up postoperatively from 4 months to 21 months with an average of 10 months. No complication occurred during operation and after operation. Healing by first intention was achieved. X-ray showed that all cases achieved clinical union 8-12 weeks after operation. According to Anderson's criteria and the results were excellent in 18 cases, good in 5 cases, and fair in 1 case. The excellent and good rate was 95.83%.

CONCLUSION: The internal fixation with shape memory alloy embracing fixator has as follows advantages: less trauma, esay-to-do, stable fixation, better tissue compatibility and less complication in treating fractures of proximal radius. This method can enhance the fracture healing and functional recovery. So it is a better method to treat fractures of proximal radius.