Continuing Education for Periopertaive Professinals at Heraeus Medical

Continuing Education for Perioperative Professionals –Sponsored by Heraeus Medical

In our continuous effort to deliver value in this ever-changing healthcare environment, Heraeus Medical US has partnered with Pfiedler Education (a division of AORN) to drive true educational value back to you, the practitioner. Both Heraeus and Pfiedler are dedicated to providing healthcare professional quality education, increasing knowledge and competency for better patient outcomes.

This programming is provided at no-cost to providers or facilities, and is intended for a registered nurse, surgical technologist, or other healthcare professional who wants to learn more or needs to gain knowledge and skills in different techniques involved in the application of bone cement, cement properties, cementing best practices, and resulting changes in patient outcomes. Attendees will have an active role in discussion as well as opportunities to ask questions and share experiences. Continuing Education credits are provided by Pfiedler Education, a Division of AORN.

Why Bone Cement Matters to Your Patient Outcomes, a Course Introduction:

Bone cement has a variety of applications in total joint arthroplasty, but primary benefits include implant fixation, strength and antibiotic delivery. With the number of TJA procedures continuing to rise, it is important for orthopedic perioperative healthcare providers (HCPs) to recognize the inherent benefits, limitations, and role that bone cement plays in the successful outcomes of these procedures.

PMMA cement is a strong, flexible biomaterial. However, altering the portions and contents of monomer liquid and polymer powders can have a paramount effect on the setting time, polymerization temperature, and compressive strength of the cement. On the other hand, through the innate mechanical properties and use of additives (such as radiopacifiers) in commercially prepared mixtures, bone cement can achieve desired properties that can facilitate positive outcomes while simultaneously decreasing complications. Additionally, Antibiotic-Loaded Bone Cements (ALBCs) are commonly used, and the efficacy of the introduction of locally diffused antibiotics in reducing the risk of PJI should be considered.

This educational program aims to provide a high-level overview of the benefits and limitations to bone cement in the total joint space, as well as a review of cementing best practices and techniques to improve patient outcomes.

Course Learning Objectives

After completing this Continuing Education course, participants should be able to:

  • Identify the varying viscosities of, and components that make up, bone cement.
  • Discuss various bone cement application techniques within total knee arthroplasty and total hip arthroplasty
  • Review how antibiotic loaded bone cement can complement the surgeon’s treatment preferences.
  • Describe best practices with use of bone cements and cementing technique to improve patient outcomes.
  • Demonstrate a working knowledge of cements importance to the operative success in total joint arthroplasty.

Accreditation Information

California Board of Registered Nursing Association of periOperative Registered Nurses is provider-approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider Number CEP 13019 for 2.0 contact hours.

NCCT The National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) has approved this program for 2.0 contact hours.

Pfiedler Education, a Division of AORN