The role of polymethylmethacrylate bone cement in modern orthopaedic surgery

• Published in: Journal of bone and joint surgery. British volume Vol. 89; no. 7; pp. 851 - 857
• Main Authors: WEBB, J. C. J, SPENCER, R. F
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London British Editorial Society of Bone and Joint Surgery 01.07.2007; British Editorial Society of Bone & Joint Surgery
• Edition: British volume
• Subjects: Anti-Bacterial Agents - therapeutic use; Biological and medical sciences; Bone Cements - pharmacology; Bone Cements - therapeutic use; Diseases of the osteoarticular system; Diseases of the osteoarticular system. Orthopedic treatment; Female; Humans; Male; Medical sciences; Orthopedic Procedures - methods; Orthopedic surgery; Polymethyl Methacrylate - pharmacology; Polymethyl Methacrylate - therapeutic use; Radiotherapy. Instrumental treatment. Physiotherapy. Reeducation. Rehabilitation, orthophony, crenotherapy. Diet therapy and various other treatments (general aspects); Surgery (general aspects). Transplantations, organ and tissue grafts. Graft diseases; Performance evaluation; Plasty; Orthopedic surgery; Treatment; Prosthesis; Orthopedics; Cement; Vertebra; Vertebroplasty; Bone; Antibacterial agent; Percutaneous route
• ISSN: 0301-620X; 2049-4394; 2044-5377; 2049-4408
• DOI: 10.1302/0301-620X.89B7.19148

Polymethylmethacrylate remains one of the most enduring materials in orthopaedic surgery. It has a central role in the success of total joint replacement and is also used in newer techniques such as percutaneous vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty. This article describes the current uses and limitations of polymethylmethacrylate in orthopaedic surgery. It focuses on its mechanical and chemical properties and links these to its clinical performance. The behaviour of antibiotic-loaded bone cement are discussed, together with areas of research that are now shedding light upon the behaviour of this unique biomaterial.