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[Thromboembolic complications related to the use of bone cement in hip arthroplasty--pathogenesis and prophylaxis]
C Heisel1, M Clarius, U Schneider
1Abteilung Orthopädie I, Orthopädische Universitätsklinik Heidelberg.
Insights
Thromboembolic complications during total hip arthroplasty (THA) can be minimized by optimizing canal preparation and lavage techniques. While cementless implants may reduce embolic load, the overall risk of serious complications remains low.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Biomaterials Science
- Cardiovascular Complications
Context:
- Total hip arthroplasty (THA) using bone cement is associated with cardiovascular risks.
- Intravasation of fat and bone marrow into circulation can occur during cemented THA.
- Thromboembolic complications are a significant concern in cemented THA procedures.
Purpose:
- To review the literature on thromboembolic complications linked to bone cement in THA.
- To identify methods for reducing embolic load during THA.
- To evaluate the impact of cementing techniques on implant stability and complication rates.
Summary:
- Optimizing canal preparation and lavage, particularly with jet lavage, is crucial for reducing embolic load and enhancing bone-cement interface strength.
- Modern cementing techniques, including pulsatile lavage, cement restrictors, and pressurization, alongside adequate medullary canal drainage, minimize thromboembolic risks.
- While cementless THA may present a lower intravasation risk, thromboembolic complications can still occur; however, this risk alone should not dictate implant choice due to the low overall incidence of severe outcomes.
Impact:
- Highlights the importance of surgical technique in mitigating risks associated with cemented THA.
- Provides insights into optimizing cementing procedures to improve patient safety.
- Informs clinical decision-making regarding implant selection by contextualizing thromboembolic risk within the broader complication profile.
Introduction:
Cemented total hip arthroplasty (THA) has to be considered a high-risk procedure with respect to cardiovascular complications. The insertion of cement and prosthesis may lead to intravasation of fat and bone marrow into the circulation.
Methods:
This article represents a review on the relevant literature about thromboembolic complications associated with the use of bone cement in THA.
Results/Discussion:
The method of canal preparation and lavage is of paramount importance to reduce the potential embolic load. Additionally, thorough cleaning of the intramedullary cavity (using jet lavage) improves the cement penetration into the bone and increases the shear strength of the bone-cement interface. Modern cementing techniques include the use of high pulsatile lavage, a cement restrictor and cement pressurization. With the application of these techniques a sufficient drainage of the medullary canal should be guaranteed to minimise the risk for thromboembolic complications. During the insertion of cementless implants the intravasation of embolic material seems to be less, but it is likewise possible to have a thromboembolic complication during cementless THA. However, it is not justified as a consequence to use the thromboembolic risk as the main indication for implant choice, in particular as the overall risk of a serious fatal complication is low.
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