Abstract
Introduction: We describe a new technique of using acetabular suction to improve cementing conditions in acetabular arthroplasty.
Aim: To analyse the effectiveness of a technique of applying suction to the acetabular cavity during cementing as a method of maximising the quality of the bone-cement interface.
Methods: In this study, a series of 100 cemented primary Exeter hip replacements performed by the senior author, using contemporary cementing techniques together with an acetabular suction technique were evaluated for the degree of cement penetration and the quality of the cement-bone interface so created. Radiographs were digitally scanned with high resolution and a CAD program was used to assess quantitatively the cement penetration in each of the Charnley-DeLee zones. The quality of the cement-bone interface was assessed using the grading system as described by Ranawat.
Results: An analysis showed significant cement penetration in each of the Charnley-Delee zones especially in zones 1b, 2a and 2b. The quality of the cement-bone penetration was excellent with most showing a Type I interface (perfect cement-bone interlock with gradual merging of cement into the cancellous bone with no radiolucency or rounding off of the cement front) in all zones.
Conclusions: These results indicated that application of acetabular suction significantly improved the cement penetration on the acetabular side in cemented total hip arthroplasty. We recommend this as a satisfactory method to ensure the best possible conditions for creation of an enduring cement- bone interface.
The abstracts were prepared by Professor A. J. Thurston. Correspondence should be addressed to him at the Department of Surgery, Wellington School of Medicine, PO Box 7343, Wellington South, New Zealand
