The biocompatibility and osteoconductivity of a cement containing beta-TCP for use in vertebroplasty

A new composite bone cement designated "G2B1" was developed for percutaneous transpedicular vertebroplasty. G2B1 contains beta tricalcium phosphate particles and methylmethacrylate-methylacrylate copolymer as the powder components, and methylmethacrylate, urethane dimethacrylate, and tetrahydrofurfuryl methacrylate as the liquid components. Biocompatibility and osteoconductivity were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy, contact microradiography, and Giemsa surface staining 4, 8, 12, 26, and 52 weeks after implantation into rat tibiae. To evaluate osteoconductivity, affinity indices (%) were calculated. Scanning electron microscopy and contact microradiography revealed that bone contact with G2B1 was attained within 4 weeks (affinity index: 50.2 +/- 11.8 at 4 weeks) and at most of the margin within 26 weeks (affinity index: 87.4 +/- 7.2 at 26 weeks). Specifically, G2B1 contacted bone via a wide calcium-phosphate-rich layer, and its degradation started within 8 weeks, mainly in the marginal area. Giemsa surface staining showed that there was almost no inflammatory reaction around the G2B1. These results indicate that G2B1 is a biocompatible and osteoconductive bone cement.