Effect of a rasp surface on cement penetration in paired cadaver femurs

Abstract

The purpose of this investigation was to study two different broach surface designs with regard to cement penetration into human cancellous bone. In a cadaver study 15 paired human cadaver femora were prepared using broaches of identical geometry but different surface characteristics. All left femora were prepared using chipped toothed broaches, all right femora using diamond shaped broaches. Cancellous bone was irrigated with 1 liter pulsed lavage. The specimens were imbedded in specially designed pots. Bone cement was applied in a retrograde manner and subjected to a standard pressure protocol with a constant force of 3000 N. Radiographs were taken and horizontal sections were obtained at predefined levels using a diamond saw. Microradiographs were taken and analyzed using image analysis to assess cement penetration into cancellous bone. Pressure curves recorded during cement pressurisation were comparable. The microradiographic evaluation revealed no significant morphometric differences in the different groups with regard to cement penetration into cancellous bone. These findings were similar in all sections obtained. A standardized model was developed allowing comparison of cement penetration into cancellous bone depending on bone preparation. In the presence of pulsed lavage there is no significant influence of broach surface characteristics on cement penetration into cancellous bone of the upper end of the femur.