Influence of cement viscosity on cement interdigitation and venous fat content under in vivo conditions

Abstract

In a sheep model permitting standardized bilateral, simultaneous cement pressurization, we studied the effect of different cement viscosities on fat and bone marrow intravasation and cement penetration in vivo. High viscosity cement (Palacos) was used on one side and low viscosity cement (Osteopal) on the other. Catheters were inserted into both external iliac veins to collect blood during bilateral simultaneous cement pressurization. After bone preparation and pulsatile lavage, both femora were filled with cement followed by simultaneous cement pressurization. A quantitative fat analysis of the blood collected was done. We used microradiographs to determine cement penetration in a left versus right comparison of both viscosity groups. The low viscosity cement yielded lower rates of cement penetration despite adequate and sustained pressurization. Cement applied at low viscosity state seems to take the path of least resistance into the venous system before more deeper cement penetration can occur. The use of high viscosity cement ran a higher risk of fat embolism, but improved cement interdigitation.