Biomechanical evaluation and clinical application of patella fractures fixed with the combination of cerclage wiring and a tension band (Pyrford technique)

[Objective]To investigate the probabilities of clinical application of Pyrford technique, and to evaluate biomechanical characteristics of patella fractures fixed with the combination of cerclage wiring and a tension band (Pyrford technique).[Method]By using ox cadaveric knee joints, transverse osteotomies of the patella were performed, and the simulated fractures were fixed with the following techniques: the combination of cerclage wiring and a tension band(Pyrford technique), tension band with kirschner pins, and cerclage with wires alone. The effectiveness of fixation was measured and compared.[Result]Intensity and rigidity of Pyrford technique internal fixation is same to tension band with kirschner pins, and its strain and displacement of patella was very small. Accordingly,105 casas of patellar fracture were treated with figure of Pyrford tension band wiring, the excellent and good results was 98% in follow-up studies ranged from 6 to 23 months.[Conclusion]The patella fractures fixed with the combination of cerclage wiring and a tension band(Pyrford technique) was fit for the biomechanical characteristics of patella, and had advantages such as excellent biomechanical capabilities, anatomical reduction, simple operation, firm fixation,and was suitable to function exercise in early stage.