Plug migration and cement mantle assessment in total hip replacement

We reviewed a series of consecutive total hip replacements with cemented femoral components. Modern cementing techniques were followed in all cases, but two different medullary plugs were used—one was polyethylene and the other bioabsorbable gelatin. Cement mantle quality and plug migration were assessed by three different observers (X, Y, and Z); their findings did not agree. This was particularly evident when the cement mantles were assessed. There was a better cement mantle grading and less distal migration with polyethylene plugs, although there was no significant statistical difference between the two groups.