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Variations in the density of bone cement after centrifugation
Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research
|June 1, 1986
Summary
Centrifugation of barium sulfate-containing bone cement causes radiopaque particles to accumulate at the bottom, potentially creating uneven distribution. This study recommends reformulating bone cement and optimizing centrifugation for antibiotic-loaded cement applications.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Biomaterials Science
- Materials Engineering
Background:
- Barium sulfate is crucial for radiopacity in bone cement.
- Centrifugation is a common technique in bone cement preparation.
- Potential for uneven barium sulfate distribution due to centrifugation requires investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of centrifugation on barium sulfate distribution in bone cement.
- To assess the impact of centrifugation on antibiotic distribution in bone cement.
- To provide recommendations for optimizing bone cement preparation techniques.
Main Methods:
- Radiopaque and radiolucent Simplex-P bone cement were prepared with and without cooling.
- Samples were centrifuged at varying speeds (1,000 g, 2,000 g) and durations (2, 4 minutes).
- Density measurements using the Archimedes principle and radiographic observation were employed.
Main Results:
- Barium sulfate accumulation at the bottom of centrifugation tubes was confirmed, particularly in cooled specimens at 2,000 g (p < 0.01).
- Larger barium sulfate particles (20-100 microns) were primarily deposited.
- No significant redistribution of added antibiotics (erythromycin, colistin) was observed.
Conclusions:
- Centrifugation can lead to inhomogeneities in barium sulfate distribution within bone cement.
- Reformulation of Simplex-P bone cement is suggested to mitigate these inhomogeneities.
- Optimized centrifugation (2 minutes at 2,000 g) is recommended for antibiotic-loaded cement in revision hip surgery.