The Effect of PMMA Thickness on Thermal Bone Necrosis around Acetabular Sockets

One aim of custom acetabular hip replacement sockets is to achieve fixation through a uniform cement layer of selected thickness. In vitro experiments demonstrate that curing temperatures are determined by cement thickness and position relative to the socket rim. A maximum thickness of 7 mm is indicated by interpretation of curing temperature-time relationships in terms of predicted bone necrosis. It is concluded that the results contribute to the establishment of an optimum cement layer thickness, but other factors require investigation to complement this work to gain further understanding of the problem.