text: [Adjustable reconditioner for the treatment of patella fracture].
  Patella fracture belongs to the articular fracture. The operative methods to fix the patella fracture are numerous and there is no unanimous view. In order to protect the reconditioned patella, usually it is necessary to fix externally for a period of time. Since 1989, the authors have treated 165 cases of patella fracture with self designed, adjustable reconditioner and have acquired satisfactory results both in its fixing effect and function recovery. There was no need to fix the patella externally and the patients could do functional training in early stage. According to the assessment of the postoperative function and the motion limits of the knee and rehabilitation of the fracture, the results of the treatment were: excellent in 148 cases and good in 17 cases. This article describes the fixing mechanism of the reconditioner. It consists of the left and right petals and a screw. According to different sizes of patella and various types of the fracture, the reconditioner could be adjusted to connect the fracture closely with the petals and a screw. The structure of the reconditioner is simple, the operation is easy to carry out. It is adjustable during the operation and holds the fracture firmly and secure. It is suitable for all kinds of patella fracture avoiding partial or total resection of the patella. The other facture of the reconditioner is that the fixed patella could bear traction force when bending the knee at 90 degrees, so the patient could walk and squat on the heels normally.