Fluoride-containing acrylic bone cement in total hip arthroplasty. Randomized evaluation of 97 stems using radiostereometry and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry.

Abstract

Ninety patients (97 hips) scheduled for total hip arthroplasty were stratified to fixation of the femoral component using fluoride-containing cement or Palacos with gentamicin. Whole polyethylene Reflection and press-fit Trilogy cups were used. All patients received Spectron EF stem. The micromotions of the stem were measured with radiostereometric analysis and the periprosthetic bone mineral density with automatic and manual dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) analysis. At 2 years, the choice of cement did not influence the subsidence or rotations of the stem. The DEXA analysis revealed more loss of periprosthetic bone mineral density in fluoride cement group. We speculate that forming of fluorapatite crystals, toxic effects of the fluoride, or lower radiopacity of the fluoride cement might explain this finding. According to our study with 2-year of follow-up, there is no obvious advantage of addition of fluoride to acrylic bone cement when used to fixate the femoral component in total hip arthroplasty.