Comparison of Fixation of the Femoral Component without Cement and Fixation with Use of a Bone-Vacuum Cementing Technique for the Prevention of Fat Embolism During Total Hip Arthroplasty. A Prospective, Randomized Clinical Trial*

Abstract

Acute hypotension, hypoxemia, cardiac arrest, and sudden death are well recognized complications during total hip arthroplasty, and they have been attributed to embolization of fat and bone marrow. An increase in intramedullary pressure in the femur is the most important pathogenic factor for the development of embolic events. Intravasation of fat, bone marrow, and bone debris during the implantation of a femoral component, and the embolization of these elements through the venous system located along the linea aspera and through the metaphyseal vessels, have been demonstrated experimentally and clinically. The purpose of the present study was to compare the effects of fixation of the femoral component without cement with those of fixation with a bone-vacuum cementing technique on the severity of embolic phenomena and cardiopulmonary impairment during total hip arthroplasty. Fixation with a conventional cementing technique was also evaluated as a control.