abstract
Acrylic formulations based on poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) are some of the most important polymer systems used for arthroplasty, vertebroplasty and prosthesis fixation in orthopaedic surgery. Since PMMA bone cements were first used, several studies have been developed to improve their general properties, as well as its capacity to interact with newly formed tissues. From the compositional, morphological and chemical points of view, both solid and liquid phases of PMMA bone cement formulations are suitable for modification. In this context a new generation of acrylic bone cements is strongly desired in order to ensure the potential and versatility for solving some of the main drawbacks of the conventional materials. This chapter presents and discusses the main properties of PMMA bone cements used for orthopaedic surgery. In particular, gives emphasis to the fillers used to modify the solid phase of acrylic formulations and relates this strategy with changes in their mechanical, biological, and clinical properties.
authors
B. J. M. Leite Ferreira, T. M. Santos and P. P. Lopes
our authors
Bárbara Joana Martins Leite Ferreira
Researcher
Teresa Margarida dos Santos
Assistant ProfessorGroups
1 - Inorganic Functional Nanomaterials and Organic-Inorganic Hybrids
5 - Biomedical and Biomimetic Materials
Other
