What is the difference between a cemented and an uncemented joints?
Some replacement joints attach to the bone with cement; others do not. Cemented joints were developed 40 years ago. They are most often used for older, less active people and for people with weak bones, such as those who have osteoporosis (brittle bone disease). Cemented joints are rigidly fixed within the bone immediately after surgery and as such, reduce pain and increase joint mobility. However, they may loosen over time, and cement particles will sometimes break off. Uncemented joints were developed about 20 years ago in an attempt to increase the durability of the implant’s fixation to the natural bone. It is unknown whether cemented or uncemented joints are better or longer-lasting, but most surgeons tend to use uncemented joints in younger patients. Uncemented joints are associated with thigh pain for several months after surgery in 10 to 20 percent of patients. This pain usually resolves spontaneously, but it rare cases it requires a repeat operation. Doctors will sometimes use
