The cemented stem in hip arthroplasty – state of the art technique and recommendations

Principles of cemented stem implantation in hip arthroplasty

The aim of this article is to summarize the state of the art in cementing femoral stems in primary hip arthroplasty. The ultimate goal is to achieve reliable and stable fixation with a low failure rate. Bone cement serves as the foundation of the stem fixation in the femoral canal. It is essential that the cement is prepared in a standardized manner according to current recommendations. The prosthetic design should meet the biomechanical and technical requirements for optimal performance. Although there is a trend toward cementless fixation, cementation may be required in a specific patient population. Careful evaluation of the indication for cementation is necessary to avoid complications. Maintaining a familiar sequence of intraoperative steps and knowledge of the required instruments is mandatory for efficient and accurate performance. Attention should also be given to the occurrence of bone cement implantation syndrome (BCIS), which can occur during the use of bone cement.

Design features of cemented stems

1. Biomechanical principles: force-closed vs shape-closed

2. Stem geometry: tapered vs anatomical

Bone cement

A self-curing polymer consists of two components: powder (copolymer) and liquid (monomer). Copolymers (such as PMMA) from the powder mixture can only polymerize with the monomer in the liquid at room temperature through the energy generated by a second reaction: benzoyl peroxide (BPO) and dimethylparatoluidine (DmpT) combine during mixing to form radicals. A detailed overview of the components is displayed in Table 2 (3).

This involves an exothermic reaction that is accompanied by a temperature increase, measured in vivo at over 56°C (which denatures collagen). However, this temperature elevation is transient and does not appear to have a significant clinical impact (5).

The setting time to reach strength and the associated polymerization rate of the cement are influenced, among other factors, by the temperature of the cement during mixing, the moisture of the powder, and the amount of air added to the liquid cement during mixing. Three different viscosity forms are distinguished, although they are not consistently defined in the literature (5):

• Cement with low viscosity (LV): long waiting phase where the cement is ‘sticky’, followed by a rapid increase in viscosity during the working phase, with the final curing phase typically lasting about 1 to 2 min.

• Cement with medium viscosity (MV): similar waiting phase but a slower increase in viscosity during the working phase.

• Cement with high viscosity (HV): short waiting phase followed by a long working phase, and the curing phase typically lasts 1.5–2 min (5).

Conflicting results in the literature make it difficult to determine the best viscosity. Ultimately, no general statement can be made. However, there is a trend towards medium and high viscosity. It should be noted that higher intramedullary peak pressure is achieved during pressurization and stem insertion with medium and high-viscosity cement, which carries potential risks such as a weakened cement–implant interface, fat embolism, and BCIS. Ultimately, the decision lies with the surgeon (5).

There is no uniform recommendation for the widespread use of antibiotic-loaded bone cement in hip arthroplasty, particularly as there is a lack of evidence regarding adverse effects with widespread use. However, antibiotics should be considered in high-risk patients who are at risk of periprosthetic infection (5). Risk factors for a periprosthetic infection include body mass index ≥ 35 kg/m², diabetes mellitus, active smoking, chronic kidney disease, autoimmune disease, and nasal colonization with methicillin-resistant and/or methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (14). Modern cementing techniques utilize mixture systems with a vacuum, ensuring a consistent and homogeneous material density free from air inclusions (voids), resulting in exceptional long-term strength (3, 15). As a result, cement porosity is reduced, and mechanical properties are improved (5). A detailed overview of the modern fourth-generation cementing technique is displayed in Table 3.

The preparation and processing of the cement are divided into four temperature-dependent phases:

• Mixing phase

• Waiting phase

• Working phase

• Curing phase

Each phase has a specific time requirement. Mixing is done with a lifting frequency of 1–2 s. The consistency of the cement depends on various variables such as ambient temperature and humidity. Therefore, in addition to time, the consistency of the cement should be considered before application (13). During the working phase, the cement should no longer be sticky. The slightly higher viscosity facilitates the penetration (indentation) into the cancellous gaps after compression with the seals (pressurizer) (3, 5). This is further facilitated by the subsequent insertion of the prosthetic stem. Gloves should be changed after contamination with cement. Rough implants should be implanted quickly, using wetter cement. Cement intrusion into small grooves and gaps of the implant promotes a mechanical bond. For a polished stem, the cement should be slightly firmer (5). ‘The cement is not a chemical adhesive but a mechanically load-bearing filling material!’ (16, 17).

Bone cement implantation syndrome

BCIS is a circulatory disorder that occurs due to the chemical composition of the bone cement and the pressure increase in the medullary canal, particularly during stem insertion. It is characterized by a drop in blood pressure, decreased oxygen saturation, and/or cardiopulmonary collapse (3, 15, 18, 19, 20).

During the introduction of the cement, a significant pressure increase of up to 1447 kPa occurs in the medullary canal. This increase in pressure may favor air, fat, and bone marrow embolism (19, 21). This highlights the importance of pulsed lavage, which flushes out the fatty marrow from the intertrabecular spaces of the cancellous bone and provides a significant contribution to prevention, although it does not completely eliminate the risk.

Different explanations see vasodilatation caused by methyl methacrylate particles or histamine as a possible contributing factor, as well as complement activation. There is no definitive explanation for the development of BCIS, and it may be a combination of the mechanisms mentioned above (19, 21).

In order to mitigate BCIS as effectively as possible, in addition to using pulsed lavage, the preoperative cardiopulmonary situation and comorbidities should be optimized. The anesthesia procedure should be adjusted in cases of increased BCIS risk (for risk factors of BCIS, see Table 4). Intraoperatively, volume loss should be compensated, and a high oxygen saturation level should be aimed for. Systolic blood pressure should remain within 20% of baseline values. Intraoperative monitoring through capnography and pulse oximetry is mandatory (3, 19).

BCIS is classified into three severity grades (Table 5) and is associated with increased postoperative cardiovascular complication rates and higher mortality rates. In particular, severe BCIS (grades 3 and 4) significantly increases 30-day mortality compared to a milder grade (grade 1) or when BCIS does not occur at all. Factors that predispose to severe BCIS include age >75 years, high ASA classification (ASA III or IV), and the presence of renal insufficiency (18, 22, 23). A femoral drill hole appears to reduce the likelihood of BCIS (23).

The overall incidence of BCIS (grades 1–3) in hemiarthroplasty is 31%, while in total hip arthroplasty, it is 24%. Severe BCIS (grades 2 and 3) is much less common, with an incidence of 9% in hemiarthroplasty and 5% in total hip arthroplasty (22).

Indication

According to the authors, factors such as cost, surgical time, or chronological age of the patient should play a subordinate role in the indication for cementation. Characteristics such as physical activity, femoral geometry, or bone tissue quality provide a patient-specific approach and should receive greater attention (24).

Chronological age alone appears to be an inadequate primary decision-making factor. It does not take into account pre-existing conditions or individual bone quality (which may be influenced by age). It also does not take into account the ultimate clinical outcome and financial burden. The level of training and clinical experience should also influence the choice of fixation method, as they also impact the results. Therefore, age alone does not adequately address the complexity of the indication (25). A direct cost comparison is inevitably flawed because financial expenses do not solely depend on the implant price, but also on factors such as surgical time, comorbidities, individual risks, hospitalization duration, and revision rates, all of which significantly impact the overall financial burden (25, 26).

Singh et al. developed a radiomorphological index of osteoporosis using pelvic radiographs, which has also been incorporated into other scores (27, 28). The density and distribution of tension and compression trabeculae in the femoral neck and trochanteric region help assess bone quality, with a grading scale from 1 to 6. Grade 1 represents the weakest bone quality, while grade 6 describes a healthy normal bone quality (Fig. 1). Advanced osteoporosis suggests a preference for cemented surgical techniques (3, 24, 28).

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The Singh index grade, describing the DEXA-based trabecular pattern of the femoral neck in an osteoporotic bone stock, from grade I poor bone quality) to grade VI (normal trabecular pattern) (27).

Citation: EFORT Open Reviews 9, 11; 10.1530/EOR-23-0202

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Considering osteoporotic bone changes, Dossick and Dorr have classified the shape of the femur into three classes: tube-like morphology, also known as group C (‘stove pipe’), is associated with certain bone loss and presents challenges in fitting cementless prosthetic types, thus suggesting the decision for a cemented solution. This classification can be quantified using the cortical index (Fig. 2) (3, 29, 30).

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Evaluation and classification of osteoporotic bone changes after Dossick and Dorr (Cortical Index and Canal-Calcar Ratio) and Nobel (CFI).

Citation: EFORT Open Reviews 9, 11; 10.1530/EOR-23-0202

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Further descriptions of the proximal femoral medullary canal geometry are provided by flare indices, which serve as measurement parameters for better score interpretation. The Canal Flare Index (CFI) developed by Philip Noble provides a numerical value for the femoral geometry by calculating the ratio between the diameter 2 cm proximal to the lesser trochanter and the isthmus. A smaller value indicates a more cylindrical shape of the femur (Fig. 2) (31). The different classifications of the medullary canal geometry are displayed in Table 6.

Poor bone quality is the primary indication for cemented femoral stem fixation. To assess bone quality, the Dorr classification, as well as other measures such as the CFI and Cortical Index, are available. Female patients of advanced age are often associated with poorer bone quality. In these cases, particular attention should be given to radiological and intraoperative findings. Patients with poorer bone quality and older women tend to have fewer aseptic loosening cases, fewer intraoperative complications, and fewer revisions with better 10-year survival rates if a cemented stem fixation is used. Furthermore, in cases of a narrow proximal femoral canal, periprosthetic fractures, and dysplasia-caused secondary arthritis, the indication for cemented femoral stem fixation should be critically evaluated (3, 26).

Femoral neck fractures should generally be cemented (3, 18, 24, 32, 33, 34). Cementless fixation, on the other hand, is associated with a higher risk of implant-related complications such as intra- and post-operative periprosthetic fractures, aseptic loosening, and dislocations (34, 35, 36, 37, 38). Risk factors for periprosthetic femoral fractures in cementless fixation (i.e. poor bone quality, female gender) must be carefully weighed against the risk factors for BCIS (Table 4) (22, 25). Furthermore, cemented hemiarthroplasty appears to be associated with lower residual pain and improved postoperative mobility compared to cementless hemiarthroplasty (34). Regarding the mortality rate, a slightly increased rate is reported within the first few postoperative days, but this effect seems to diminish over time (37). In the majority of studies conducted on this topic, no significant impact on mortality rate seems to be demonstrated (34, 38).

Cementation preparation

Modern techniques aim to improve the bone–cement interface through bone preparation and cleaning. Bone bed preparation by rasping, pulsatile jet lavage, using a distal cement restrictor, pressurization of the cement, and insertion of the stem with a distal centralizer (depending on the stem design) are considered standard procedures (37).

Cementation technique for stems in hip arthroplasty

The bone–cement interface is the interface that ensures stable anchoring (16). The cement mantle should have no interruptions, a thickness of 2–5 mm, a homogeneous density, and fill the designated spaces in the prepared bone and the intended gaps in the prosthetic stem (15, 43). A thin cement mantle is not sufficient to absorb energy, and there is an increased risk of fissures/fractures in the cement mantle and aseptic loosening. A thick cement mantle (5–10 mm) allows for increased micromotions and is suboptimal regarding radial stresses, favoring radial cement creeping and potentially leading to stem migration (4, 5).

The optimal cement mantle thickness is the subject of current debates; different results regarding the cement mantle thickness are reported in the literature. The following two common techniques, the ‘over-reaming’ technique, and the ‘line-to-line’ (= ‘side-to-side’ technique), will be explained in more detail.

The standard technique is the ‘over-broaching’ technique. Here, the implant is smaller than the last used rasp. This technique allows a cement mantle of 2 mm or more. In contrast to this technique, there is the ‘line-to-line’ technique. In this technique, almost the entire spongy bone is removed in the coronal plane, and the implanted stem has the same size as the last used rasp. The largest possible rasp is used for stem preparation. As a result, a thin cement mantle is achieved. This technique is also referred to as the ‘French paradox’ (2, 4, 5, 16, 44).

The ‘line-to-line technique’ shows partly good results and sometimes even better than the ‘over-reaming’ technique with a cement mantle of 2 mm or more (5, 44). The ‘French paradox’ is an overall successful procedure, even if the individual measures do not always seem entirely comprehensible. These results contradict the previous conventional assumptions that a cement mantle is only durable when it has a minimum thickness of 2 mm without interruption and completely surrounds the entire prosthesis stem (15, 45). Evidence for a successful and durable ‘line-to-line’ technique (French paradox) is provided, among others, by the Müller-Straight-Stem and its considerable number of copies. The Müller-Straight-Stem divides the cement mantle into an anterior and posterior section, and medially and laterally, the simple conical stem should have contact with the cortical bone. The stem self-centers and the rasps need to be designed accordingly for the intramedullary preparation of the cortical bone. Additional equipment with reamers is advised.

Current cementing techniques involve retrograde (‘bottom to top’) filling of the dried medullary cavity (2, 3, 16). Cement guns are indispensable for application (2, 3, 15), and conical nozzles can be used in narrow medullary spaces. Revisions and wide medullary spaces often require two portions of cement, and it is advisable to simultaneously mix with two teams. Several factors can accelerate the setting time of the cement, including higher temperatures, longer mixing, manual handling, and excessive humidity (3, 5).

Gruen’s zones (16, 19) are well suited for assessing biological tissue reactions and their localization. The four-stage classification of the quality of the cement mantle around the femoral stem is credited to Barrack and Mulroy (Table 7) (3, 45).

Biomechanically, there are high loads at the level of the femoral neck and the tip of the stem, making these regions particularly vulnerable to damage. If these cracks propagate, implant failure can occur. To create a high-quality cement mantle, it is important to remove most of the mechanically unstable cancellous bone, especially at the level of the greater trochanter, only leaving a minimal amount of cancellous bone to allow for cement interlocking (4).

The modern fourth-generation cementing technique aims to centralize the stem within the femoral canal to ensure an adequate cement mantle. A detailed overview of the fourth-generation cementing technique is provided in Table 3 (5).

In cases of revision surgery with appropriate indications, a good, mechanically reliable, high-quality cement mantle can be left in place using a technique known as ‘cement-in-cement’ (6). However, this topic is beyond the scope of this overview and will not be further discussed.

Recommendations for the over-reaming technique

• Never skip preoperative planning (3).

• Tilt the oscillating saw slightly caudally during the resection of the femoral neck (anteversion). Position approximately one finger above the lesser trochanter to ensure sufficient support for the calcar. Collarless stems tolerate minor deviations from the resection line and allow for small corrections regarding penetration depth. With collared stems, precise resection is necessary (offset). If too much is resected, the gap of the missing calcar can be filled with cement (3).

• Digital examination of the mechanical quality of the femoral neck cancellous bone (‘doctor’s finger’) to draw conclusions about bone quality and the fixation method.

• Place a marked compress in the acetabulum.

• Open the medullary canal with a box chisel (3).

• Initial preparation with a thin channel-finding rasp (finger rasp, rat-tail rasp) (3).

• Use a medium-sharp spoon of sufficient length (e.g. Halle spoon, 21 cm, or Volkmann spoon, 27 cm) to tactually assess the geometry of the medullary canal.

• Curved, anatomical, modular rasp handles (double offset) are comfortable even for experienced surgeons.

• Always start with the smallest rasp size and gradually increase (3).

• Clear the medullary canal with a suction device between each rasp step to reduce the risk of embolism (3, 5).

• Avoid direct endomedullary contact of the rasp with the calcar corticalis; strong calcar cancellous bone protects against loosening. However, most of the cancellous bone is removed because it is not mechanically sufficient; only a thin border is left for cement–bone interface interlocking (3, 43).

• Insert the rasp slightly deeper (1–2 mm) below the resection level of the femoral neck.

• If that is not possible despite careful insertion of the rasp, choose a smaller size.

• Good rasps have side markings that indicate the future leg length at this ‘rasp depth’. Optionally, mark the depth and antetorsion on the greater trochanter (3).

• Always pay attention to the ‘sound’ of the rasp.

• Adjust the rasp more towards ‘valgus’; this will create a wider cement mantle medially on the calcar femoris and reduce the risk of dorsolateral perforation (3).

• Do not radically remove the proxiomedial cancellous bone, leaving approximately 3–4 mm of metaphyseal cancellous bone (3).

• For stems with a collar, use a planing calcar reamer (‘calcarreamer’).

• Brush the medullary canal (3).

• Trial reduction provides more safety regarding stem position, leg length, neck length, and dislocation prevention.

• Familiarize yourself with the neck lengths, which may not be the same for every product (what does 0 mm mean? Is it ‘s’ or ‘m’? There are also negative measurements, e.g. −3.5. Some companies offer neck lengths up to +16!).

• Possibly secure the trial head.

• Suction even in the depth of the medullary canal (if necessary, use suction extension with disposable bladder catheter Ch 18 or 21) (3).

• Carefully implant the pre-measured marking plug into the intramedullary canal (intramedullary pressure!) (39), avoid using hammer blows if possible. Approximately 1–1.5 cm below the prosthesis tip (3).

• Warm the irrigation fluid (Ringer’s solution or Ringer’s lactate), no additives (42).

• Always use pulsatile jet lavage (3, 15, 16).

• Dry the medullary canal (3, 15).

• Do not use H₂O₂ in an unvented medullary canal as there is a risk of causing an air embolism. Moreover, it might destruct the cement at the cement–bone interface and has erosive and cytotoxic properties (46).

• Optionally, place an adrenaline-soaked compress in the medullary canal (3).

• Cement is generally ready for use 2–4 min after mixing (3).

• Retrograde filling of the medullary canal.

• Apply a pressurizer (silicone seal); pressure should be applied for 30–60 s. Beware of BICS.

• Possibly administer intraoperative heparin to reduce BICS/thrombi (3, 47, 48).

• Keep the temperature-dependent duration of working phases in mind (use a stopwatch).

• The finished cement surface should have a slightly wrinkled (‘skinny’) appearance (non-sticky) (3).

• Take a small sample before cement application to check when the cement hardens (3).

• Do not push cement that has leaked out of the canal back into the canal (3).

• Centralizers should only be placed distal to the stem tip or at the very proximal position to avoid cement displacement during stem insertion.

• If available, implant with a free, spherical inserter (stem driver).

• Do not heat or cool the stems; pre-warmed stems are said to prevent near-implant bubbles and lead to higher strength/stability in the cement–implant interface. However, this could not be conclusively proven in experimental studies (3, 49).

• Keep the cone protection cap in place.

• Stems with a profiled and rough surface may be inserted slightly earlier (to utilize the remaining ‘adhesive effect’) while stems with a polished surface may be inserted slightly later (to prevent ‘adhesion’) (3).

• Pro for early implantation: the cement does not become too hard and therefore does not prevent penetration depth and reduces bleeding at the cement–bone interface (3).

• Pro for late implantation: additional pressure exerted by the stem implantation leads to improved interlocking at the bone–cement interface (3).

• Always introduce the prosthesis laterally and with slight neck antetorsion (3).

• Avoid using a hammer if possible; at most, apply 1–2 cm before the final position with 2–3 controlled hammer blows.

• Do not make corrections to the position once the stem is inserted definitively (this may cause voids in the cement mantle). Check the positioning when approximately 2/3 of the stem is inserted (3).

• Hold the position of the stem until final polymerization (3).

• Carefully remove cement residue with a plastic spatula (3).

• Change gloves.

• Secure trial heads (e.g. with a suture).

• Thoroughly clean and dry the cone.

The dimensioning of the rasps does not always create a corresponding minimum thickness of the cement mantle for the corresponding stems (4). Nowadays, many stem models are offered in both cementless and cemented variations, and the rasps developed for them are the same. The difference in diameter between cementless and cemented stems is often only 1 mm on each side and should not be less. The surgeon should always be aware of the respective dimensions of the prepared bed, and it may be possible to implant a size below the dimension of the last rasp size used.

Not all rasps have cutting edges or blades in the calcar region, which allows spongiosa to be preserved. However, this increases the risk of a blunt impact on the medial femoral neck cortex. Therefore, the rasps should always be inserted slightly laterally and gently pushed towards the trochanter major with caution. Less stable spongiosa in the proximal medullary canal, which is not captured by the rasps, can be curetted (4).

Modern designs of femoral rasps displace and compress the spongiosa to achieve biologically stable primary stability in the cementless stem variation. For the cemented version, thorough jet lavage is essential to reopen the intertrabecular gaps to a greater extent (16). Proper femoral canal preparation and appropriate jet lavage are key points to ensure a stable bone–cement interface, as well as using a distal cement restrictor, cement pressurization, and a distal centralizer if necessary (5). Preserve stable spongiosa, especially in the calcar region!

ICMJE Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the study reported.

Funding Statement

This work did not receive any specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sector.