Comparison and optimization of three centrifugation systems for reducing porosity of Simplex P bone cement

Simplex P bone cement was spun for 30, 60, and 120 seconds in three different centrifugation systems (I.E.C. HN-S II, I.E.C. clinical, and Johnson & Johnson) to determine whether differences among the three systems also produce differences in the improvement of the fatigue strength of the cement. The fatigue properties of the cement after centrifugation were also assessed when it was mixed with monomer that had been chilled to 0 degrees C. There were important and statistically significant differences in the fatigue life of Simplex P spun for the same duration in the different centrifuges. Simplex P prepared as recommended by the manufacturer had an average fatigue life of 15,143 cycles in the test system used. Optimum centrifugation among the techniques studied increased the fatigue life nearly fivefold, to the range of 71,000 cycles. Taking into account both the fatigue strength and the viscosity of the cement, the optimum centrifugation system for improving the fatigue life of Simplex P bone cement is the Miller cartridge containing two packs of cement spun in the IEC-HN-S II centrifuge. The authors recommend 30 seconds of centrifugation if the monomer is not chilled prior to mixing and 60 seconds if the monomer is chilled.