For large bone defects, after curettage of aggressive bone tumors; such as giant-cell tumors, cementation with supplement internal fixation was used to prevent subsequent collapse of the cement-bone constructs. The purpose of this study is to compare the pull-out strength of cement augmented screws between inserting screws in the working phase or hard phase of bone cement.

Timing at which completed screw insertion takes place affecting the pull-out strength of cement augmented screws.

Pull-out strength was compared between screws; inserted within the working phases of cement, and after the cement was hardened in high viscos cement blocks. Each group consists of 10 cortex screws, 10 cancellous screws and 10 locking screws. The pull-out strength test was followed using the instructions of ASTM F543-13e1 Standard Specification and Test Methods, for Metallic Medical Bone Screws.

Screws that were inserted in the working phases of cement had significantly higher pull-out strength, than those inserted in hard cement (p=0.021). The pull-out strength was statistically significant in difference among the types of screws (p<0.001), with locking screws having the highest pull-out strength. Furthermore, the pull-out strength of locking screws revealed no significant difference when either; inserted during the working or hardened phases of bone cement.

Insertion of screws during the working periods of PMMA cement had higher pull out strength compared to the hard phase of cement. Hence, we recommend performing internal fixation before cementation after curettage of aggressive bone tumors. However, if the surgeon prefers to pack the cement first, for the benefit of avoiding residual bone defects, we suggest using a locking plate system to achieve comparable pull-out strength.

In-vitro study.