Shape-memory Polymers for Orthopaedic Soft-Tissue Repair

Shape-memory polymers (SMPs) and their medical devices offer improved performance for soft-tissue fixation because of their ability to expand in vivo. Here, we describe the basics of the SMP cycle and the fundamental biomechanics of SMP soft-tissue fixation devices, in particular their effect on graft relaxation after device insertion. A surgical technique for posterior lateral corner reconstruction of the knee is presented that uses several SMP devices to simplify the procedure.