A technique for the fabrication of a reinforced moulded articulating cement spacer in two-stage revision total hip arthroplasty

We describe an inexpensive method of producing a reinforced articulating cement spacer using a commercially available hip cement mould. We have a cohort of 15 consecutive patients in whom this novel cement spacer has been used. All patients were able to at least partially weight bear and none of the spacers fractured. Thirteen have been explanted at second stage operation after a minimum of eight weeks in situ. Two patients have been unable to undergo a second stage due to unrelated death and medical problems precluding further surgery. The articulating cement spacer described is produced using a technique that is simple, reproducible and allows a reinforced spacer to be created inexpensively without the need for special equipment.