Unstable Vancouver B1 periprosthetic femoral fracture fixation: A biomechanical comparison between a novel C-shaped memory alloy implant and cerclage wiring.

Background: To compare the biomechanical stability of a novel, C-shaped nickel-titanium shape memory alloy (SMA) implant (C-clip) with traditional cerclage wiring in the fixation of a Vancouver B1 (VB1) periprosthetic femoral fracture (PFF).

Methods: In total, 18 synthetic femoral fracture models were constructed to obtain unstable VB1 fracture with an oblique fracture line 8 cm below the lesser trochanter. For each model, the distal portion was repaired using a 10-hole locking plate and four distal bi-cortical screws.