Method to remove intramedullary cement prior to mechanical testing in canine segmental replacement model

Mechanical evaluation of fixator augmented bone healing is complicated. When the primary interest is focused on mechanical properties of the healing site, implants may need to be removed before the testing. Cement or bone ingrowth related fixation requires special techniques for successful implant removal. Five canine femurs and five specially designed intramedullary cement fixated segmental replacement prosthesis were used to show that intramedullary cement mantle could be removed safely and the procedure was repeatable without altering the mechanical properties of healing site.