VACUUM MIXING AS PART OF MODERN CEMENTING TECHNIQUE FOR SUCCESSFUL SURGICAL OUTCOME AND STAFF SAFETY Using modern cementing technique in arthroplasty is key to ensure long survival rates for endoprostheses and a low risk of revision.1, 2 One of its crucial success factors is a homogeneously mixed bone cement with reduced porosity.3 Air-induced porosity within the cement mantle can lead to a rapid propagation of fractures, weakening the cement mantle. A fractured and fragile cement mantle compromises the integrity of the interfaces, and therefore the survivorship of the implant.4 Vacuum mixing improves cement homogeneity by reducing porosity and strengthens the cement prosthesis interface.4 In addition, it reduces the ambient methyl methacrylate (MMA) fumes5,6, supporting staff safety. The vacuum mixing system PALABOWL® enables standardised mixing of homogeneous bone cement. VACUUM MIXING porosity of 0.1 – 1 %4 substantially decreases cement-implant-interface void7 increases force required to separate cement and implant and improves fatigue strength7 reduces the longer term risk of revision in THA1 reduces MMA fumes5,6 NON-VACUUM MIXING porosity of 5 –16 %4 weaker cement-implant bond7 decreases the fatigue life of the cement3 higher MMA fumes exposure5 1. Malchau H et al. Acta Orthop Scand. 1993; 64(5): 497–506. I 2. Breusch S, Malchau H. The Well Cemented Total Hip Arthroplasty. Theory and Practice. Springer Verlag 2005; 147–148. I 3. Dunne NJ et al. Biomaterials 2003; 24(2): 239–245. I 4. Wang JS. The Benefit of Vacuum Mixing. In: The Well Cemented Total Hip Arthroplasty 2005. Springer Verlag; 107–112. I 5. Kuehn KD. PMMA Cements. Springer Verlag 2014; 262. I 6. Jelecevic J et al. Ann Occup Hyg. 2014; 58(4): 493–500. I 7. Geiger MH et al. Clin Orthop Relat Res 2001

QUALITY AND EFFICIENCY IN MIXING Mixing bowl Vacuum hose High cement quality: vacuum mixing reduces porosity, improves cement homogeneity, and strengthens the cement-implant interface4 More output: shape of spatula and curette help remove mixed bone cement from the bowl completely Safety: vacuum hose with integrated active charcoal filter reduces MMA fumes Homogenous mixing: paddle design with rotating axis supports thorough mixing without unmixed powder collecting at the edges of the bowl High capacity: mixing of up to three pouches (3 x 40) of bone cement at a time Excellent visibility: transparent...