Synthesis and characterization of polymeric implant for kyphoplasty

Copolymers of methyl methacrylate (MMA) and lauryl methacrylate (LMA) were prepared to obtain injectable ductile materials to be used in restoring vertebra height in kyphoplasty. Copolymers with M(w) in the range of 130,000 and polydispersity of 1.8 were obtained. Several aspects of the effect of adding LMA monomers were examined including intrinsic viscosity, thermal properties, mechanical properties, and the ability to be injected under high pressure. By increasing the amount of LMA, the ductility of the polymer was increased, accompanied by a decrease in Young's modulus and strength. The copolymer with monomers ratio (MMA:LMA) 1:1 v/v possessed the most suitable mechanical properties and injectability, which may have potential clinical use in orthopedics.