[Treatment of patellar fracture using an internal fixator of shape-memory alloy].

An internal fixator made of memory alloy, that can autonomously exert pressure centripetally on fragments from multi-directions (5 to 9), but mainly longitudinal (23 to 28 kg), had been designed to treat lateral fracture. Its application on 33 cases of such fracture manifested that it could restore the shape of communicated patella through progressive pressure and maintain the anatomical position until bony union. On account of firm and stable fixation, the patient was able to start drilling the limb in 1 to 7 days after surgery, and regained full extension and flexion of knee joint in 6.8 weeks on average. All of the patients resumed excellent limb function without complication.