[Vacuum mixing systems for bone cement completion - comparison of different systems].

Introduction: The use of vacuum mixing systems when mixing bone cement reduces its porosity and hereby significantly improves the features of the material. The currently available mixing systems are compared with regard to handling, mechanical properties and economical aspects.

Methods: In 8 vacuum mixing systems the handling, pump performance, system tightness, the used air volume, the filter efficiency, the remaining amounts in the mixing system and the porosity of the cements are shown in comparison.

Results: All vacuum mixing systems reduce the porosity of the cement in comparison to hand mixed cements significantly if used correctly. The individual examinations, though, show enormous differences, which can be of significance to the user in the individual choice of system and, depending on the individual circumstances, can influence the quality of the mixed cement.

Conclusion: The results enable the user to choose and handle a vacuum mixing system which is optimally suitable for the individual circumstances in respect to the characteristics examined.