Plug migration and cement mantle assessment in total hip replacement.

We reviewed a series of consecutive total hip replacements with cemented femoral components. Modern cementing techniques were followed in all cases, but two different medullary plugs were used-one was polyethylene and the other bioabsorbable gelatin. Cement mantle quality and plug migration were assessed by three different observers (X, Y, and Z); their findings did not agree. This was particularly evident when the cement mantles were assessed. There was a better cement mantle grading and less distal migration with polyethylene plugs, although there was no significant statistical difference between the two groups.