Reinforcement of bone cement around prostheses by pre-coated wire coil: a preliminary study

The longevity of the cemented total hip joint replacement depends on the integrity of the cement fixation with respect to the interfaces of the metal stem and bone, and stress/strain transmission and its distribution. A simple coil made of stainless steel wires was placed around a tapered stem in a simulated cement mantle to counteract the radial- and hoop-stress and static push-out mechanical tests were performed. The results show statistically significant increases in ultimate strain (+17.62%), ultimate load (+110.34%), stiffness (+117.63%), and fracture toughness (+153.63%) exhibited by the wire reinforcement over the control. Precoating with thin layer of polymethylmethacrylate may also enhance the mechanical properties of the reinforced cement mantle. This simple device may contribute to the longevity of the cement mantle by virtue of the enhanced mechanical properties, which in turn will be able to absorb more energy transmitted through the metal stem.