This thesis is based on the following articles, which are referred to in the text by their Roman numerals:
I Ryhänen J, Niemi E, Serlo W, Niemelä E, Sandvik P, Pernu H & Salo T (1997) Biocompatibility of nickel-titanium shape memory metal and its corrosion behavior in human cell cultures. J Biomed Mater Res 35: 451-457.
II Ryhänen J, Kallioinen M, Tuukkanen J, Junila J, Niemelä E, Sandvik P & Serlo W (1998) In vivo biocompatibility evaluation of nickel-titanium shape memory metal alloy: muscle and perineural tissue responses and encapsule membrane thickness. J Biomed Mater Res 41: 481-488.
III Ryhänen J, Kallioinen M, Tuukkanen J, Lehenkari P, Junila J, Niemelä E, Sandvik P & Serlo W Bone modeling and cell-material interface responses induced by nickel-titanium shape memory alloy after periosteal implantation. Biomaterials (In press).
IV Ryhänen J, Kallioinen M, Serlo W, Perämäki P, Junila J, Sandvik P, Niemelä E & Tuukkanen J Bone healing and mineralization, implant corrosion and trace metals after nickel-titanium shape memory metal intramedullary fixation. J Biomed Mater Res (In press).