Mechanical and histological evaluation of a PMMA-based bone cement modified with gamma-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane and calcium acetate.

Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) bone cement is widely used for prosthetic fixation in orthopaedic surgery; however, the interface between bone and cement is a weak zone. We developed a bioactive PMMA cement through modification with gamma-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (MPS) and calcium acetate. The purpose of this study was to compare the handling, mechanical and histological properties of the modified bone cement with those of the conventional cement.

Bioactive PMMA bone cement prepared by modification with methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane and calcium chloride.

Bone cement consisting of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) powder and methylmethacrylate (MMA) liquid is used extensively for fixation of implants such as artificial hip joints with living bone. This type of cement, however, does not show direct bonding to the living body, and hence the fixation is liable to loosen over a long implantation period. Bioactive materials have received much attention because of their capability for bone-bonding, i.