In vitro comparison of Refobacin-Palacos R with Refobacin Bone Cement and Palacos R + G

Background Refobacin Palacos R (RPR) is no longer produced and Palacos R + G (PRG) and Refobacin Bone Cement R (RBC) have been introduced to supersede it. We performed an in vitro study to ascertain whether the handling and mechanical properties of the more recent cement preparations are different to those of their predecessor.

Methods The 3 cements were tested to ISO 5833 and German DIN 53435 standards. In addition, their gentamicin elution, shrinkage, viscosity, and handling characteristics were studied.

Results All 3 cements had comparable mechanical properties exceeding the ISO 5833 and DIN 53435 standards. They eluted similar amounts of gentamicin and had comparable shrinkage. In the batches tested, RBC showed statistically significantly longer handling curves. Both PRG and RBC had statistically significantly lower viscosities as they cured compared to their predecessor.

Interpretation Surgeons must be aware that both successor cements do not appear to have handling curves and viscoelastic properties identical to those of RPR.