Ionos bone cement (glass-ionomer): an experimental and clinical evaluation in joint replacement

Ionos bone cement (glass-ionomer) was evaluated in total joint replacement procedures, initially in a baboon model, and finally in a highly selected group of patients in whom polymethyl methacrylate cement was contra-indicated. It was found that the cement has no inhibitory effect on bone tissue development. It is effectively incorporated into the bone, both structurally and functionally without the interposition of fibrous tissue. Under the functional stress situation in baboon hip and knee arthroplasties, the bone and marrow in direct contact with the cement responded favourably. A direct bone bond was demonstrated. The clinical results achieved were satisfactory, notwithstanding the complexity of the clinical problems included in the series. The continued clinical evaluation on a controlled basis has been shown to be well-justified.