Fixation of proximal humeral prostheses and rotational micromotion

Abstract

Twenty pairs of cadaveric humeri were used to compare the rotational stability of proximal humeral prostheses fixed by proximal cementation with the stability offered by press fit or full cementation. For each proximally cemented specimen, only the upper portion of the prosthesis was coated with cement. For the fully cemented specimens, a cement restrictor was used just distal to the prosthesis, and a finger-packing technique was used to fill the proximal humeral medullary canal. Torque was applied to the Morse taper of the prostheses, and rotational micromotion was measured at the level of the osteotomy. In each of 11 pairs of cadaveric humeri, one side was press fit and the contralateral side was proximally cemented; in each of 9 pairs, proximal cementation was compared with full cementation. Proximally cemented prostheses' micromotion was significantly less than that of press-fit prostheses (P = .0016). There was no difference in micromotion between proximal cementation and full cementation (P = .82). Proximal cementation increased initial fixation over press fit. Full cementation did not increase rotational stability.