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Innovations in acrylic bone cement and application equipment
T Kindt-Larsen1, D B Smith, J S Jensen
1Wolff & Kaaber A/S, Farum, Denmark.
Journal of Applied Biomaterials : an Official Journal of the Society for Biomaterials
|January 1, 1995
Summary
A novel bone cement reduces biological risks by lowering heat and monomer release. Its mechanical properties match conventional cements, offering a safer alternative for implant procedures.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Orthopedic Surgery
Background:
- Conventional polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) bone cements generate significant heat and release residual monomers during polymerization, potentially causing adverse biological effects.
- These effects include thermal necrosis of surrounding tissues and monomer-induced toxicity, limiting their use in critical orthopedic applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a new bone cement formulation that minimizes adverse biological effects associated with implant cementation.
- The goal was to achieve lower polymerization exotherm, reduced monomer release and residual content, while maintaining essential physical and mechanical properties.
Main Methods:
- Modified the monomer composition by replacing half of methylmethacrylate (MMA) with long-chain methacrylates (n-decylmethacrylate, isobornyl-methacrylate).
- Altered the accelerator system using a combination of dihydroxypropyl-p-toluidine and N,N-dimethyl-p-toluidine.
- Incorporated butylmethacrylate-MMA copolymers into the powder component and utilized a vacuum-packed, double-chamber pouch for improved mixing and delivery.
Main Results:
- Achieved a reduced polymerization exotherm of 58°C and significantly lowered porosity (approx. 2%) with minimal voids.
- Demonstrated retained mechanical properties, including compressive strength (82 MPa), four-point bending strength (55 MPa), flexural modulus (2.24 GPa), tensile strength (32 MPa), and shear strength (36 MPa).
- Reported fracture toughness of 0.89 MPa√m and comparable fatigue life to conventional PMMA bone cements.
Conclusions:
- The modified bone cement formulation effectively reduces thermal output and monomer release while preserving critical mechanical performance.
- This new bone cement offers a potentially safer alternative for implant procedures, mitigating biological risks without compromising structural integrity.
- The formulation and delivery system facilitate more complete mixing and reduced porosity, enhancing its clinical applicability.