The role of cement viscosity on cement-bone apposition and strength: an in vitro model with medullary bleeding

J Arthroplasty. 2007 Jan;22(1):109-16. doi: 10.1016/j.arth.2006.02.076.

Abstract

We compared the mechanical and morphological characteristics of cement-bone structures created with either standard- or low-viscosity cement using a human cadaver model that simulated intramedullary bleeding. The goal is to determine if the viscosity of the cement would affect the strength of the cement-bone interface and the degree of apposition between the cement and bone. The tensile strength of cement-bone constructs with standard-viscosity cement (2.42 +/- 1.55 MPa) was 21% stronger than with low-viscosity cement (2.00 +/- 1.51 MPa, P = .034). Cement-bone apposition was positively correlated (r2 = 0.29, P <. 0001) with the strength of the interface. There was 15% greater apposition between cement and bone (P = .036) for standard-viscosity cement. Low-viscosity cement may be less effective in displacing bone marrow and in preventing hemodynamic backflow, resulting in less apposition and a weaker interface.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip / methods*
  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Blood Loss, Surgical / prevention & control*
  • Bone Cements*
  • Bone Marrow / surgery*
  • Cadaver
  • Humans
  • Materials Testing
  • Models, Anatomic
  • Viscosity

Substances

  • Bone Cements