The strength of metal reinforced methylmethacrylate fixation of pathologic fractures.

Fixation of the pathological fracture in terminal patients has in the past added the trauma of an extensive surgical procedure to an already weakened patient. Intramedullary fixation with single and double rods in conjuction with polymethylmethacrylate have been compared to ascertain the effect of different loading conditions using torque and analysis under compression measurements of the strength of repair bone. Extensive intramedullary reaming can be avoided with polymethylmethacrylate. The cement effectively transmits the load from the proximal to the distal fragment. The single large rod method would be more desirable for stiffer bones while the double thin rod technique may be applicable to more flexible bones.