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The applications and research progresses of nickel–titanium shape memory alloy in reconstructive surgery

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Abstract

In spite of some good successes and excellent researches of Nickel–titanium shape memory alloy (NiTi-SMA) in reconstructive surgery, there are still serious limitations to the clinical applications of NiTi alloy today. The potential leakage of elements and ions could be toxic to cells, tissues and organs. This review discussed the properties, clinical applications, corrosion performance, biocompatibility, the possible preventive measures to improve corrosion resistance by surface/structure modifications and the long-term challenges of using SMAs.

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Acknowledgments

Supported by Foundation of Guangxi Educational Committee: 200810LX462. The research program of Health Bureau of Guangxi Province: Z2008282.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopaedics, The Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical College, Guilin, 541001, China

    Qiang Li

  2. Biomedical Engineering Center, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, 100022, China

    Yanjun Zeng

  3. Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Life, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China

    Xiaoying Tang

Authors
  1. Qiang Li
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  2. Yanjun Zeng
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  3. Xiaoying Tang
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Correspondence to Yanjun Zeng or Xiaoying Tang.

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Li, Q., Zeng, Y. & Tang, X. The applications and research progresses of nickel–titanium shape memory alloy in reconstructive surgery. Australas Phys Eng Sci Med 33, 129–136 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13246-010-0022-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13246-010-0022-8

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