Fig. 2From: Properties and clinical application safety of antibiotic-loaded bone cement in kyphoplastyMonitoring of the cement. a The cement is ready to use when samples are able to form a coherent string of 10 cm (“drip” test). As soon as the cement does no longer form threads between thumb and forefinger, it can be applied immediately (“thread” test, not shown). b After that, and as long as folding is possible, plasticity is indicated, although the cement is not fit for usage anymore (“butterfly” test). c It can be assumed that the cement has hardened when contact of the sample with a metal stick provokes a certain sound (“ball” test). A previously prepared, hardened cement can be used as a referenceBack to article page