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Improved orthopaedic bone cement formulations based on rubber toughening.
1Department of Restorative Dentistry/Biomaterials, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson 39216, USA.
Critical Reviews in Biomedical Engineering
|December 7, 2000
Summary
New rubber-toughened poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA) bone cement improves fracture toughness by 167%. This enhanced PMMA bone cement addresses concerns like mixing and residual monomer levels for improved implant longevity.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Polymer Chemistry
Background:
- Poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA) bone cements are standard for hip and knee implants.
- Aseptic loosening due to PMMA fracture is the main cause of implant failure.
- Revision surgeries are costly, traumatic, and yield lower implant survival rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize novel rubber-toughened acrylic bone cement formulations.
- To improve fracture toughness while maintaining acceptable mechanical properties.
- To address clinical concerns of mixing, delivery, and residual monomer levels.
Main Methods:
- Formulation of PMMA bone cement with dispersed rubber particles.
- Mechanical testing including fracture toughness, elastic modulus, and compressive strength.
- Chemical characterization focusing on residual monomer concentrations.
Main Results:
- Experimental rubber-toughened cement exhibited 167% greater fracture toughness than controls.
- Reductions in elastic modulus and compressive strength were observed but deemed clinically acceptable.
- New formulations demonstrated improved mixing properties and reduced residual monomer levels comparable to Simplex.
Conclusions:
- Rubber toughening significantly enhances the fracture resistance of PMMA bone cement.
- The developed formulations offer a promising alternative to traditional PMMA, addressing key limitations.
- Further investigation into clinical performance and long-term stability is warranted.