Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 28, 2026

07:09
In situ Compressive Loading and Correlative Noninvasive Imaging of the Bone-periodontal Ligament-tooth Fibrous Joint
Published on: March 7, 2014
Human biological reactions at the interface between bone tissue and polymethylmethacrylate cement
J X Lu1, Z W Huang, P Tropiano
1Laboratoire Interface Matrice Extracellulaire et Biomatériaux (IMEB), Faculté d'Odontologie, Université de la Méditerranée, 27 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13385 Marseille Cedex 05, France.
Journal of Materials Science. Materials in Medicine
|September 7, 2004
Summary
This study found no cytotoxicity from cement fragments after long-term implantation. However, particle debris and microfractures may contribute to long-term prosthesis loosening.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Prosthesis loosening is a significant clinical challenge.
- Bone cement particles and monomer release are potential contributors to adverse tissue reactions and loosening.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cytotoxicity of bone cement fragments from prosthesis revisions.
- To evaluate tissue reactions at the bone-cement interface over time.
Main Methods:
- MTT cytotoxicity assay using L929 fibroblasts and human osteoblasts.
- Histological analysis of bone-cement interface samples from 11 patients (2-168 months post-implantation).
Main Results:
- No cytotoxicity was detected from cement extracts after 48 and 78 months.
- Histology revealed cement and prosthesis particles, fibrous tissue, osteolysis, osteonecrosis, and inflammatory cells.
- New bone formation and osseous trabeculae fractures were observed, with fractures appearing after 19 months.
Conclusions:
- Bone cement fragments showed no short-term cytotoxicity.
- Particle debris, monomer release, and exothermic reactions may cause early loosening.
- Micro-movements leading to trabeculae fractures and particle formation are implicated in long-term prosthesis loosening.
Related Concept Videos
Bone Remodeling
Bone remodeling is a continuous and balanced process of bone resorption by osteoclasts and bone formation by osteoblasts. In adults, it helps maintain bone mass and calcium homeostasis. While mechanical stress can stimulate turnover as part of the normal maintenance and reparative process, several hormones also regulate bone remodeling.
The Bone Matrix
Bone contains a relatively small number of cells entrenched in a matrix of collagen fibers that provide an adherent surface for inorganic salt crystals. Both components of the matrix, organic and inorganic, contribute to the unusual properties of bone. Without collagen, bones would be brittle and shatter easily. Without mineral crystals, bones would flex and provide little support. This can be observed by an experiment: when the minerals of a bone are dissolved by soaking the bone in acid or...

