CEMENTATION PRESSURE IN ARTHROPLASTY - IN-VITRO STUDY OF CEMENT PENETRATION INTO FEMORAL HEADS

We analyzed the pressure needed for adequate cement penetration into t he human arthrotic hip. 85 holes in 39 arthrotic femoral heads were ce mented under predetermined pressures and times after cement mixing. Ce ment penetration correlated well to both pressure and time after mixin g. No correlation to the degree of sclerosis was found. At 0.2 MPa, th e average penetration into bone was 2 mm. However, 3-5 mm is considere d the minimum depth for good fixation of an implant. To achieve a cons istent adequate interdigitation, a pressure of approximately 0.3 MPa i s recommended.