Editing Shape-memory alloy (section)

==== Orthopedic surgery ====

Memory metal has been utilized in [[orthopedic surgery]] as a fixation-compression device for [[osteotomy|osteotomies]], typically for lower extremity procedures. The device, usually in the form of a large staple, is stored in a refrigerator in its malleable form and is implanted into pre-drilled holes in the bone across an osteotomy. As the staple warms it returns to its non-malleable state and compresses the bony surfaces together to promote bone union.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Mereau |first1=Trinity M. |last2=Ford |first2=Timothy C. |title=Nitinol Compression Staples for Bone Fixation in Foot Surgery |journal=Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association |date=March 2006 |volume=96 |issue=2 |pages=102–106 |doi=10.7547/0960102 |pmid=16546946 |s2cid=29604863 }}</ref>