Influence of delayed injection time on the creep behavior of acrylic bone cement.

It has been proposed that creep of acrylic bone cement may contribute to loosening of cemented total joint replacements. If true, it is important that factors affecting creep of bone cement are identified. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of an operator-controlled variable, injection time, on the creep behavior of acrylic bone cement. Results from this investigation showed that injection time significantly (p < 0.0001) influenced creep behavior of bone cement. "Delayed" injection time of acrylic bone cement increased creep by approximately 5 times in 24 h compared to specimens prepared according to standard injection procedures.