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The use of PMMA bone cement in trauma surgery: A narrative review
Micha Holla1, Harith Migdad2, Taco Blokhuis1
1Department of Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
Background:
Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) bone cement has been used for decades in orthopaedic surgery, primarily for fixation of endoprostheses. In trauma surgery, its role is more heterogeneous and often underappreciated.
Methods:
This narrative review summarizes the material properties, biological behavior, and clinical applications of PMMA in trauma surgery, including prosthesis fixation, screw augmentation, and its use as a temporary spacer. Finally, the use of PMMA used as a permanent spacer, including technical tips is described.
Results:
PMMA provides high compressive strength, minimal shrinkage, and reliable handling characteristics. Cement augmentation improves implant anchorage in osteoporotic bone. As a spacer, PMMA plays a key role in staged reconstruction. Finally, in selected patients and as a salvage procedure, PMMA may function as a permanent load-sharing implant when combined with stable internal fixation.
Conclusion:
PMMA remains a versatile, inexpensive, and widely available tool in trauma surgery beyond its classical role in arthroplasty.