BoneSource solidification: a comparison between water and sodium phosphate as the solvent

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Surgical Materials Engineering
• Orthopedic Materials Research

Background:

• BoneSource, a hydroxyapatite cement, is utilized in orthopedic and dental applications.
• The setting time and thermal properties of bone cements influence their clinical usability.
• Optimizing cement handling characteristics is crucial for successful surgical procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of sodium phosphate on the solidification rate of BoneSource.
• To compare the setting times of BoneSource mixed with sterile water versus sodium phosphate solution.
• To assess the thermal behavior of BoneSource during solidification with different mixing agents.

Main Methods:

• BoneSource (hydroxyapatite cement) was prepared using two distinct mixing agents: sterile water and a 0.25 ml sodium phosphate solution.
• The time required for complete solidification (cure time) was meticulously recorded for each mixture.
• The temperature profile during the solidification process was monitored for both BoneSource formulations.

Main Results:

• BoneSource mixed with sterile water exhibited an average cure time of 99 minutes (SD 5.3).
• BoneSource mixed with sodium phosphate demonstrated a significantly reduced average cure time of 43 minutes (SD 3.6) (P < 0.0003).
• The average solidification temperature for BoneSource in sterile water was 19.1°C (SD 0.082), compared to 20.1°C (SD 0.1) in sodium phosphate, indicating an isothermic reaction.

Conclusions:

• Sodium phosphate significantly accelerates the solidification rate of BoneSource hydroxyapatite cement.
• The use of sodium phosphate results in a substantially shorter working time for BoneSource.
• BoneSource mixed with sodium phosphate maintains an isothermic reaction, suggesting improved predictability and handling during application.