In this study centrifugation dramatically reduced the porosity and
substantially increased the mechanical properties of bone cement. Monotonic
tensile tests to failure of centrifuged specimens of cement demonstrated an
increase of 24 per cent in the mean ultimate tensile strength compared with
the control value. Mean ultimate tensile strain was improved by 54 per
cent. In fully reversed tension-compression fatigue-testing, centrifugation
resulted in a mean increase in fatigue life of 136 per cent. These strong
advantages in mechanical properties were obtained without any detrimental
changes. There was no change in elastic modulus, setting time, or peak
temperature. Handling properties were improved. There was no increase in
systemic toxicity as demonstrated in dogs by assessment of arterial
blood-pressure response and peak levels of monomer in the serum during
simulated total hip arthroplasty. We also present a practical system of
cement centrifugation and delivery that is suitable for use in the
operating room.