Effect of mixing technique on the properties of acrylic bone–cement: A comparison of syringe and bowl mixing systems

Syringe mixing systems have been introduced, but few data exist regarding the mechanical performance of cement they produce. We compared the properties of polymethyl methacrylate cement produced by these systems with that produced by a multiaxial bowl. Mixtures of cement were prepared using the Optivac, Cemvac, and Summit syringes and the Summit bowl. The mixtures were cured in molds to create casts that were radiographed and analyzed for void content, then cut into strips, weighed, measured, and tested to failure in 4-point bending. Syringe-mixed cement was of greater density, bending modulus, and bending strength than bowl-mixed cement (Mann-Whitney, P <.01) and contained fewer microvoids and macrovoids (Mann-Whitney, P <.01). No significant differences between the syringes were found for these variables (Kruskall-Wallis, P>.05).