Pressurization
Cement restrictors
|
The use of intramedullary plugs in cemented total joint arthroplasty is currently considered standard practice by most surgeons. In order to achieve good filling and pressurization in hip and knee arthoplasties, a small piece of bone or a cement restrictor may be used to plug the shaft.
Distal plugs seals the femoral canal, improves fixation and prevents the bone cement from leaking during the delivery and pressurization.The primary goal of plugging the intramedullary canal during total hip arthroplasty is to increase penetration of cement into the cancellous bone proximal to the intramedullary plug. This recalls in greater penetration and may enhance prosthetic stability. It has been demonstrated that higher pressure in the intramedullary canal will produce greater cement penetration.
 |
Recent data on total hip arthroplasty performed with contemporary cementing techniques have shown a femoral component loosening incidence of less than 2% at 5 years.
© Copyright 2012 Biomet, Inc. All rights reserved.