The impact of modern cement techniques on acetabular fixation in cemented total hip replacement

A radiographic study was performed to assess acetabular fixation in 78 total hip replacements performed between 1971 and 1980. In 1979, the technique of acetabular component insertion was modified to include water-pik lavage, preservation of subchondral bone of the acetabulum during reaming, multiple fixation holes in the pubis ischium and ilium, and devices that improve pressurization of the cement into the cancellous bone surfaces. The impact of these techniques was studied. A cumulative radiolucency score was calculated for each acetabulum from 5-year follow-up radiographs, and the mean cup radiolucency scores for two chronologic groups were compared using the t-test for independent samples. No significant differences in patient age, weight, or sex, type of prosthesis, or approach used was found between groups. The acetabular components inserted between 1979 and 1980 had significantly lower cup radiolucency scores than those inserted between 1971 and 1978, at 5-year follow-up evaluation. Modern cement technique may be responsible for significantly enhanced durability of acetabular fixation in cemented total hip replacement.