Polymethylmethacrylate composites: disturbed bone formation at the surface of bioactive glass and hydroxyapatite

The effects of polymethylmethacrylate on bone formation were studied alone and as composites in combination with hydroxyapatite and bioactive glass in the rabbit subchondral femur. Radiographs, histology, computer assisted histomorphometry, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray analysis were used for evaluation. A total of 60 cones were implanted for 3, 6 and 12 weeks. The composite cones consisted of granules of bioactive glass (S56.5P4) or hydroxyapatite embedded in polymethylmethacrylate. Pure polymethylmethacrylate cones served as controls. At the interface of the cones, bone contact was observed only when bioactive glass or hydroxyapatite was present at the cone surface. Fibrous tissue was always found at the polymethylmethacrylate-tissue interface. The osteoconductive bone formation at the surface of bioactive glass and hydroxyapatite was disturbed by polymethylmethacrylate. It seemed to resist bone formation at the interface of both bioactive glass and hydroxyapatite. However, bioactive glass was better able to withstand the detrimental effect of polymethylmethacrylate than hydroxyapatite.