Bone cements and fillers: a review.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Orthopaedic Surgery
• Dental Materials

Background:

• Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) bone cement, developed in the 1960s, is a cornerstone for orthopaedic joint replacement fixation.
• Dental cements, including zinc polycarboxylate and glass polyalkenoate, have been researched since the 1970s.
• Bioactive calcium-phosphate ceramics, such as hydroxyapatite (HA), have spurred the development of novel bone cements due to their integration with bone.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of past and present bone cement development.
• To highlight advancements in bioactive materials and composites for bone regeneration.
• To establish fundamental design criteria for future bone cement and bone substitute applications.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of historical and contemporary bone cement research.
• Analysis of material properties and applications in orthopaedics and dentistry.
• Identification of key developments in bioactive ceramic incorporation.

Main Results:

• Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) remains the dominant material for orthopaedic joint fixation.
• Significant research interest exists in zinc polycarboxylate and glass polyalkenoate cements for dental applications.
• The integration of bioactive phases like hydroxyapatite (HA) has led to advanced bone cements and composites.

Conclusions:

• Bone cement development has evolved significantly, incorporating bioactive materials for enhanced integration.
• A thorough understanding of material science is crucial for designing effective bone cements and substitutes.
• Future research should focus on establishing robust design criteria for novel bone cement applications.