Cement venogram: as a result of high femoral cement pressurisation. A report of 3 cases

Abstract

Current femoral cementing techniques for total hip arthroplasty (THA) have improved over recent years. High pressurisation is achieved using a cement gun with a proximal seal and a cement restrictor, maximising the microinterlock at the bone cement interface. However, there are concerns regarding over pressurisation of the femoral canal resulting in an increased risk of cardiorespiratory collapse secondary to embolic phenomena. We report on three cases over a one year period of cement within a vein (cement venogram) on a post-operative radiograph following THA. We feel that the cement venogram is an important indicator of high pressurisation and that its incidence may be on the increase with improved cementing techniques.