Bone Cement Implantation Syndrome: Key Concepts for Perioperative Nurses

Bone cement implantation syndrome (BCIS) is a potentially fatal complication of orthopedic surgeries that use cement. The symptoms of BCIS occur primarily during femoral fracture repairs, but this complication has been reported in a wide variety of cemented procedures. Clinical presentation of this syndrome begins as a cascade with hypoxia and hypotension; if it is not reversed, it ends with right-sided heart failure and cardiac arrest. This syndrome usually occurs at cementation, prosthesis insertion, joint reduction, or tourniquet deflation, and should be treated with aggressive resuscitation and supportive care. This article provides a comprehensive explanation of bone cement, the identification and management of BCIS, and the roles of the perioperative team in the event of cardiopulmonary collapse. It includes a case study that can be used as an educational tool for simulation, mock drills, or staff meetings; it also may be used as a framework for creating policies.