Modern cementing techniques. An experimental study of vacuum insertion of bone cement.

Abstract

The results of these experiments show that an increase in the intramedullary pressure (IMP) can lead to embolization of bone marrow contents via the venous drainage system along the linea aspera. A vacuum applied distally to the medullary canal is very effective for filling the diaphyseal tube with cement. The cancellous bone honeycombs of the proximal metaphysis, however, can only be filled if the bone sponge is tunneled at the level of the femoral calcar; a proximal vacuum then yields filling of the cancellous bone framework with bone cement. In order to fill the weight-bearing spongious framework of the pelvic bone with cement, the acetabular cavity should be sealed with a rubber ring and vacuum applied proximo-laterally to the ilium, thereby giving an extremely high suction pressure.