[Effect of integrated distance studs on cement thickness of implanted PE-acetabulum cups--experimental in vitro...

Variations in cement thickness between PE cups and acetabular bone are biomechanically unfavourable, and may contribute to prosthetic loosening. Integrated distance studs should in the first instance, prevent local thinning of the cement. In an experimental study we compared the thickness of the cement mantel of implanted PE cups without such studs. In the case of cups with studs, significantly fewer areas of thin cement (0-1 mm) were found in comparison with cups with no studs. "Bald" areas of cement (0-0.2 mm) were virtually prevented by the studs. We are of the opinion that PE cups with integrated studs on the surface ensure a uniform cement thickness around the cup, as well as decreasing the risk of "bald" areas in the cement, thus reducing loosening.