The role of polymethylmethacrylate bone cement in revision arthroplasty of the hip.

When restoration of bone stock is necessary in revision arthroplasty of the hip using morselized or structural allograft bone, cement is used. Cement strengthens allograft bone, impairs its resorption, allows anatomic positioning of components (ie, cementing the cup in a protective ring), and allows delivery of antibiotics. Allograft bone provides a perfect lattice for cementation and also allows a cementless reconstruction as far as host bone is concerned.