- Discussion:
- aging of cement results in decreased elastic modulus and flexural and compressive strength, and increased creep deformation;
- cracks occur as a result of creep deformation through voids in cement;
- w/ poor cement technique and varus position of stem, x-ray evidence of loosening may be seen, and the pt may have pain within 6-12
months or sooner after surgery;
- fibrous tissue membrane with some areas of fibrocartilage forms at cement bone interface and in the first 6 months after surgery may
produce radiolucency, a dark line, upto 2 mm wide;
- thin dense layer of bone is often formed on outer edge of fibrous membrane, and this produces a thin white line in the x-ray on the outer
border of the radiolucent area halo effect;
- this may occur in one or more zones about the cement mass;
- fracture of the cement mass, most commonly near the tip of the stem;
- fragmentation of cement, especially between the superomedial aspect of the stem & femoral neck;
- radiolucency about part or all of the cement mass; scalloping of endosteal surface is highly suggestive of infection;
- migration distally of the cement mass (subsidence) as determined by relationship of its superior aspect to cut edge of femoral neck;
- areas of rarification in the cement mass;
- large cystic areas may be produced, especially near the tip of stem;
- these frags may produce local tissue reaction, causing further destruction of bone, especially along the medial cortex