Minimally Invasive Bone Cement Removal Using an Ultrasonic Pulsating Water Jet with Anatomical Nozzle
摘要
This study investigates the disintegration behavior of bone cements using an ultrasonic pulsating water jet (PWJ) equipped with a custom-designed anatomical nozzle. Two commercially available PMMA-based cements, Palacos and C-ment, were subjected to high-pressure jet treatment at 15 MPa using a fixed nozzle diameter of 0.5 mm. The system operated at an excitation frequency of approximately 20.27 kHz, with acoustic power ranging from 209 to 236 W. Material removal efficiency was evaluated at four traverse speeds (2, 4, 8, and 12 mm/s), with constant standoff distance (2 mm) and jet angle (90°). Key response parameters included erosion depth, eroded volume, and material removal rate (MRR), which were quantified using optical microscopy. Results demonstrated that C-ment exhibited consistently higher MRR and erosion volume compared to Palacos, especially at increased traverse speeds, while Palacos showed more stable performance. The anatomical nozzle facilitated efficient, localized erosion suitable for confined surgical geometries, supporting the integration of PWJ systems in minimally invasive orthopedic cement removal procedures.