Mechanical effects of intramedullary acrylic cement on osteotomy healing in rats

The medullary cavities of both femora in 35 rats were reamed, and bone cement was injected on the left side. A partial transverse osteotomy of the midshaft of both femora was then performed. At 0, 15, 30, 60, and 90 days following operation, the bending moment and elastic stiffness of the osteotomies were evaluated. No significant differences were found between the right and left femora. It is concluded that acrylic bone cement injected into the medullary cavity does not significantly impair the healing of osteotomies in rats.