Two cases of retained cement after hip hemiarthroplasty: Don’t forget the basics

Hemiarthroplasty as a treatment for femoral neck fractures is controversial with evolving understanding of its complications. One set of complications relates to the use of cement for these procedures. This case study presents two cases that were complicated by retained cement in the acetabulum that was identified in final intraoperative check with x-rays. In both cases, the incision was reopened and retained fragments were removed. We aim to remind the orthopaedic surgery community that this complication can occur even to the careful, experienced surgeon and to recommend the steps necessary to minimize the risk of its occurrence.