On the particle size and molecular weight distributions of clinical bone cements

Abstract

Currently, polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) or acrylic bone cement is the most commonly used adhesive material in total hip replacement (THR) surgery [1, 2]. The mechanical properties of acrylic bone cement are very influential in determining successful long-term performance of THR [3‐7]. A large number of commercial formulations are available, differing in chemical composition and physical properties of both powder and monomer constituents. Studies on the mechanical properties of commercial available bone cements revealed that the different cements behave differently [8‐11]. Harper and Bonfield [12] investigated ten commercial bone cements under the same test regimes, and found that handling characteristics of each bone cement varied, and significant differences in both static and dynamic behaviors between the various bone cements. The reasons for the differences obtained in mechanical properties can be attributed to variations in both compositions of polymer and monomer, particle size, morphology, and molecular weight of powder, strength of polymer bead-matrix interface, and powder-to-liquid ratios. A large number of studies reporting the mechanical properties of bone cement and the factors that affect these properties have been reported in the literature [1, 13‐16].