New hydrophilic, partially degradable and bioactive cements (HDBC) to improve interface with bone

Abstract

[Excerpt] Acrylic bone cements aim to fix prosthesis to bone during hip arthroplasty. The commercial acrylic bone cements perform their function, however at the long term they fail due to aseptic loosening of two interfaces: prosthesis-cement and cement bone. To minimize these problems, the bone growth should be promoted on the surface and inside of the partially degradable bone cement. In our work five different formulations were developed containing in the powder a biodegradable component such as modified corn starch with acrylic segments (methacrylated starch) as well cellulose acetate blended with corn starch (SCA). These components reacted with acrylic monomers (methylmethacrylate (MMA) and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA)) to produce hydrophilic partially degradable bone cements by radical polymerization. Diverse molar ratios MMA/HEMA as well the amount of initiator/ activator were employed in such cements. [...]