Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 30, 2025

Proximal Cadaveric Femur Preparation for Fracture Strength Testing and Quantitative CT-based Finite Element Analysis
Published on: March 11, 2017
Cementing technique for total knee arthroplasty in cadavers using a pastry bone cement
Hans Bösebeck1, Anna-Maria Holl2, Peter Ochsner3
1Heraeus Medical GmbH, Philipp-Reiss-Strasse 8/13, 61273, Wehrheim, Germany. hans.boesebeck@heraeus.com.
A new type of bone cement, called pastry cement, was tested for use in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The cement was compared to a traditional polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) cement in cadaver knees. The study found that the pastry cement had similar handling and mechanical properties but with a slightly longer curing time and lower temperature during setting. Fracture patterns in the tibial region differed between the two cements, but no differences were found in the femoral region. The pastry cement showed deeper penetration in the femur and met the requirements for TKA. The authors suggest further clinical trials are needed to confirm its safety and effectiveness.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery techniques
- Medical device implantation
- Biomechanical engineering
Background:
Aseptic loosening remains a major issue in cemented primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Prior research has shown that cementing techniques and cement properties are critical for implant survival. However, preparation errors have not been fully resolved. This gap motivated the development of a new cement type. No prior work had resolved the issue of preparation consistency. Standardization in cement application has been challenging. The need for improved handling properties is evident. Mechanical performance remains a key concern. This paper introduces a novel approach to address these limitations.
Purpose Of The Study:
The aim of this study was to evaluate a new pastry bone cement for TKA. The specific problem is the risk of preparation errors with conventional cements. This approach seeks to improve cement application consistency. The motivation is to enhance implant fixation and reduce failure rates. Standardization of cement preparation is a central goal. Mechanical and thermal properties were assessed. Handling and working time were compared to conventional cement. The study aimed to confirm the feasibility of this new cement type.
Main Methods:
A pastry bone cement was compared to a conventional polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) cement. Standardized implantations were performed in bilateral knee cadavers. Handling properties and application variables were measured. Working time and temperature development were recorded. Mechanical aspects were tested using pull-out trials. Interface quality was analyzed under a microscope. The tibial and femoral regions were evaluated separately. The study focused on fracture patterns and penetration depth.
Main Results:
Both cements showed similar handling during preparation and application. The pastry cement had a 3-minute longer curing time than conventional cement. Temperature peaks were lower with the pastry cement. Fracture patterns in the tibial region differed between cement types. No differences were observed in the femoral region. Penetration depth was similar in the tibia and deeper in the femur for the pastry cement. Mechanical performance was comparable between the two cements. The pastry cement met the requirements for TKA applications.
Conclusions:
The pastry cement facilitated cemented TKA without major drawbacks. The study found that the new cement met the necessary requirements. Fracture patterns in the tibia varied, but femoral results were consistent. Penetration depth was favorable in the femoral region. The extended curing time and lower temperature peak were noted. The authors propose that this cement is suitable for clinical use. A clinical trial is needed to confirm safety and efficacy. These findings suggest the pastry cement is a viable alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions
The pastry cement showed comparable mechanical performance to conventional cement, with a 3-minute longer curing time and lower temperature peak.
The pastry cement reduces preparation errors and offers similar handling properties but with a slightly longer curing time.
Fracture patterns differed in the tibia but not in the femur, indicating region-specific mechanical behavior.
Pull-out trials assessed mechanical aspects and cementation quality in both tibial and femoral regions.
Penetration depth was similar in the tibia and deeper in the femur for the pastry cement.
The authors suggest a clinical trial is needed to confirm the safety and efficacy of the pastry cement in TKA.

