ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate biomechanical properties of the patella tension plating system in order to provide a theoretical basis for its clinical application. Methods Thirty-six models of artificial patella were randomly divided into 3 groups ( n=12 ) . After transverse patellar fractures were created in the models, the 3 groups were subjected to fixation respectively with Kirschner wire tension band ( tension band group ) , patellar concentrator ( concentrator group ) and patellar tension plate ( tension plate group ) . Next, 6 specimens from each group were placed on a mechanical testing machine to measure the fracture displacements after 100 cycles of simulated knee flexion and extension movements. Tensile strength tests were performed on the remaining 6 specimens in each group to measure the maximum load at fixation failure. Results The fracture displacement in the tension plate group ( 0. 40 ± 0. 26 mm ) was significantly smaller than those in the tension band group ( 2. 58 ± 0. 72 mm ) and in the concentrator group ( 1. 25 ± 0. 74 mm ) ( P < 0. 05 );the maximum load at fixation failure in the tension plate group ( 1 , 709 ± 206 N ) was significantly greater than those in the tension band group ( 581 ± 122 N ) and in the concentrator group ( 1, 003 ± 211 N ) ( P <0. 05 ) . Conclusion As a new treatment for patellar fractures, the patellar tension plating system can perform better in biomechanical properties than Kirschner wire tension band and patellar concentrator.