Pull-out strength of screws from polymethylmethacrylate cement

N. E. Motzkin, E. Y.S. Chao, K. N. An, M. A. Wikenheiser, D. G. Lewallen

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

30 Scopus citations

Abstract

We aimed to determine the optimal method of inserting a screw into polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) cement to enhance fixation. We performed six groups of ten axial pull-out tests with two sizes of screw (3.5 and 4.5 mm AO cortical) and three methods of insertion. Screws were placed into 'fluid' PMMA, into 'solid' PMMA by drilling and tapping, or into 'curing' PMMA with quarter-revolution turns every 30 seconds until the PMMA had hardened. After full hardening, we measured the maximum load to failure for each screw-PMMA construct. We found no significant difference in the pull-out strengths between screw sizes or between screws placed in fluid or solid PMMA. Screws placed in curing PMMA were significantly weaker: the relative strengths of solid, fluid and curing groups were 100%, 97% and 71%, respectively. We recommend the use of either solid or fluid insertion according to the circumstances and the preference of the surgeon.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)320-323
Number of pages4
JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery - Series B
Volume76
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 1994

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery
  • Orthopedics and Sports Medicine

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