Preventing distal voids during cementation of the femoral component in total hip arthroplasty

Cement voids have been noted in close approximation to the unfilled hole in the distal end of the femoral prosthesis. These cement voids result from the displacement of cement by the expansion of air trapped in the distal prosthesis. Voids in the distal cement have been shown to lead to an increased incidence of cement failures. This potentially deleterious situation can easily be avoided by plugging the hole in the distal stem. This may be accomplished three ways: using a centralizer, using the plastic plug supplied with the prosthesis, or filling the hole with cement prior to implanting the prosthesis.