Biomechanical Study of NiTi Shape Memory Alloy Crabby Patellar Concentrator for Patellar Fractures

Objective To study a new internal fixation method for the treatment of patellar fracture. Method According to the statistics of patella in the Chinese, a special apparatus NiTi shape memory alloy crabby patellar concentrator (NT CPC) was designed and manufactured for the treatment of patellar fractures. Biomechanical tests were carried out. Results The results demonstrated that the design of NT CPC could be used for the fixation of various types of patellar fractures. NT CPC revealed the special features in the fixation of comminuted fracture of patella, it can actively exert continuous and centripetal stress on the fracture lines from 8 directions. The biomechanical test revealed that the fixing efficacy with NT CPC was better than that with modified tension band wires to transverse fractures. Conclusion NT CPC is ideal for the treatment of patellar fractures, especially the comminuted ones.