Comment on: shape memory Ni-Ti alloy swan-like bone connector for treatment of humeral shaft nonunion.

摘要

We read with interest the article on "Shape memory Ni-Ti alloy swan-like bone connector for treatment of humeral shaft nonunion" [l].We would like to congratulate the authors for the original and outstanding work and would like to raise some querries.How was the implant sterilised? Does routine autoclav-ing have any effect on the material properties of the implant?In our experience, while reducing nonunions, the bone adjacent to the fracture is often denuded of soft tissues (as is also seen in Fig. 2e of this article [1]) and the radial nerve is at risk. The authors have themselves in another study reported neuropraxia in 4:105 cases operated with shape memory connector [2],Moreover, the implant embraces the bone, and the radial nerve is further at risk. We would like to know how often the radial nerve was explored? A circumferentially placed implant is more likely to cause damage to vascularity.