The effect of acrylic cement on the union of internally fixed experimental fractures of the femoral shaft in the rabbit.

Ninety rabbits had an osteotomy of the femoral shaft followed by medullary nail fixation. They were divided into three groups: group 1 acted as controls; in group 2 intramedullary acrylic cement was added; and in group 3 an external collar of acrylic cement was added at the osteotomy site. Bone healing was assessed by histological examination which included fluorochrome vital staining, vascular perfusion techniques and microradiology. All the osteotomies in groups 1 and 2 united. There was, however, a 100 per cent failure rate in group 3.