Revision hip arthroplasty facilitated by an ultrasonic device

Bone cement (polymethylmethacrylate, PMMA) removal during revision hip arth roplasty can be a tedious,time-consuming process. The usual methods of remo ving cement include high-speed drills, chisels, saws, and reamers, which ar e often associated with fracture or perforation of the femoral shaft. An al ternative very promising method is cement removal with ultrasound. We prese nt an ultrasonic device for rapid cement removal with minimum risk of traum a to the fragile femoral bone. The technique of cement removal with ultraso und is described and problems and risks are addressed.