Cement Oscillation Increases Interlock Strength at the Cement–Bone Interface

Abstract

Modern cementing techniques aim to improve the interlock between bone and cement and to establish a durable interface. Cement penetration is generally believed to influence interface failure, but current methods for improving the cement–bone interface are inadequate. Oscillation is the reciprocated movement of an object through its balanced position, or the quantum physics of systematic fluctuation back and forth near an average value (or trimmed value). To increase the interlock strength at the cement–bone interface, we designed a cement oscillator according to the principles of vibrational mechanics. To evaluate the effect of oscillation on the quality of interlock strength at the cement–bone interface, we randomly divided 156 femoral bones of adult pigs into 2 groups, oscillated and control, and performed mechanical tests to assess interlock strength at the cement–bone interface. The filling effect of bone cement was observed and analyzed under a stereomicroscope, and then each oscillated femur was compared with a control femur. The interlock strength at the cement–bone interface in the oscillated group was significantly greater than in the control group ( P <.05), and the filling effect in the oscillated group was also better than that in the control group ( P <.05). Our findings show that oscillation of bone cement significantly increases interlock strength at the cement–bone interface, point the way for clinicians to develop a high-performance and pragmatic fixation technique for prostheses to increase interlock strength, and will be of considerable practical importance in helping to prevent aseptic loosening of cemented prostheses. See full article online for commentary by Dr Søren Overgaard.