Interfacial properties of self-reinforced composite poly(methyl methacrylate)

Total joint prostheses are often fixed in the bone using bone cement. The cement mantle, however, is prone to fatigue fracture that can lead to failure of the mantle, evolution of bone cement particles, and eventual loosening and failure of the prosthesis. A new material, self-reinforced composite poly(methyl methacrylate) (SRC-PMMA) was developed previously by the authors. This material has a similar chemical composition to bone cement, with the matrix and reinforcing fibers both fabricated from PMMA. One potential use for this material is as a precoat for hip prostheses or other stemmed prostheses. This study sought to examine the strength of the bonds that SRC-PMMA forms with simulated prostheses and bone cement. SRC-PMMA was woven about Co-Cr rods and push out tests were performed. Samples were tested in air as processed or after immersion in saline for 30 days at 37 degrees C. Three different weaves were investigated and compared to bone cement. Bone cement and SRC-PMMA formed interfacial bonds with Co-Cr rods that failed at an average load (stress) of 980 N (2.0 MPa). After saline immersion, the bone cement's interfacial bond strength was 642 N (1.23 MPa) and the tight weave SRC-PMMA was statistically stronger at 973 N (1.86 MPa). The shear strength within bone cement alone as measured by push out tests was an order of magnitude higher at 9210 N (15.2 MPa) in air and 9900 N (15.7 MPa) after saline immersion. The bond between SRC-PMMA and bone cement was 10,900 N (17.9 MPa) in air and 9610 N (15.8 MPa) after immersion in saline. Woven SRC-PMMA performed as well or better than bone cement in these push out tests.