Title: Bone cement: an overview

Authors: Michael R. Whitehouse, Sam L. Evans

Addresses: Department of Academic Orthopaedics, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK; Bristol Implant Research Centre, Lower Level AOC, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, BS10 5NB, UK. ' Room W 2.31, School of Engineering, Cardiff University, The Parade, Cardiff CF24 3AA, Wales, UK

Abstract: Polymethylmethacrylate bone cement is a widely utilised material in the field of orthopaedic surgery and specifically total joint arthroplasty. Despite this, its mechanical properties are poorly understood by the end-user and there is controversy over the manner in which the material should be tested and the effects some commonly used techniques have on its mechanical properties. This article sets out the properties and features of bone cement as related to its most common use in orthopaedic surgery and attempts to highlight some of the issues we feel are relevant to those responsible for its ultimate use and long-term success.

Keywords: polymethyl methacrylate; PMMA; bone cement; orthopaedic surgery; total joint arthroplasty; mechanical properties; biomaterials.

DOI: 10.1504/IJNBM.2010.036104

International Journal of Nano and Biomaterials, 2010 Vol.3 No.1, pp.4 - 19

Published online: 19 Oct 2010 *

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