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The use of nickel-titanium alloy in orthopedic surgery in China
1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Rui Jin Hospital, Shanghai Second University of Medical Sciences, People's Republic of China.
Abstract:
A new biomaterial made of nickel and titanium with its shape-memory characteristics has been manufactured, investigated, and used in Shanghai, China. Since 1981, this biomaterial has been used in 265 cases clinically, among which 71 involved orthopedic surgery. Results are satisfactory without failure in our short-term follow up. This preliminary report of the use of this new biomaterial with the unique characteristic of being able to recover to its original shape with particular transformation temperatures indicates its potential for opening a new field for investigation in surgery. Research to discover appropriate ratios of nickel and titanium for specific usage is underway. The interest and cooperation between the medical and engineering professions may eventually solve the problems through mutual efforts and result in improved shape-memory biomaterials.