Use of vibration with polymeric bone cements

Abstract

Methods of employing bone defect filling, e.g., polymeric bone cements, are provided. A feature of the subject methods is that vibration is employed in conjunction with the use of the cement, e.g., in preparation of the cement, in preparation of the target site, in delivery of the cement to the target site, and/or following delivery of the cement to the target site. Also provided are devices, systems and kits that find use in practicing the subject methods. The subject methods, devices and systems find use in a variety of different applications.

1 .- 16 . (canceled)  
     
     
         17 . A system for using a bone defect filling cement, said system comprising: 
 (a) a cement handling element; 
 (b) a vibratory element for vibrating said cement during its preparation and/or use; and  
 (c) a polymeric bone cement composition.  
   
     
     
         18 . The system according to  claim 17 , wherein said cement handling element is a delivery device comprising a cement composition introduction element.  
     
     
         19 . The system according to  claim 17 , wherein said cement composition introduction element is a tubular structure.  
     
     
         20 . The system according to  claim 19 , wherein said tubular structure is a needle.  
     
     
         21 . The system according to  claim 19 , wherein said tubular structure is a cannula.  
     
     
         22 . A kit for using a bone defect filling cement, said kit comprising: 
 (a) a cement handling element; 
 (b) a vibratory element for vibrating said cement at some point during its preparation or use; and  
 (c) a polymeric bone cement composition.  
   
     
     
         23 . The kit according to  claim 22 , wherein said cement handling element is a delivery device comprising a cement composition introduction element.  
     
     
         24 . The kit according to  claim 23 , wherein said cement composition introduction element is a tubular structure.  
     
     
         25 . The kit according to  claim 24 , wherein said tubular structure is a needle.  
     
     
         26 . The kit according to  claim 24 , wherein said tubular structure is a cannula.