Acetabular cement compactor. An experimental study of pressurization of cement in the acetabulum in total hip arthroplasty.

To improve cement fixation of acetabular components for total hip arthroplasty, a new instrument, the acetabular cement compactor, was devised. Measurements in human cadaveric acetabula show that the cement intrusion pressure is significantly and substantially increased by the acetabular cement compactor. The depth of cement intrusion is greatly improved when the compactor is used, as compared with finger packing. The impression casts of the acetabular cement are superior when the cement is inserted using the acetabular cement compactor. Occlusion of the orifice of the keying holes permits generation of high pressure in the cement within them. This can be achieved by using the keying-hole seal. Pressurization of the acetabular cement used in the dough stage by the acetabular cement compactor substantively improves acetabular cement fixation.