A review on the polymer properties of hydrophilic, partially degradable and bioactive acrylic cements (HDBC)

摘要

Acrylic bone cements were developed around 50 years ago for the fixation of hip prostheses during arthroplasty. Overthe intervening years, a series of drawbacks have been disclosed that have fostered intensive research on the developmentof novel or alternative formulations to the standard acrylic cements. Here, we will review the development andcharacterization of a novel class of cements, the Hydrophilic, partially Degradable and Bioactive Cements (HDBCs), anexample of multifunctional cements. They were developed to have improved biocompatibility and initial fixation to theprosthesis and to induce the growth of bone on the surface of the cement and within pores generated by the degradation ofthe solid component. HDBCs have higher water uptake than typical acrylic cements, leading to press-fitting insideconstrained cavities. They are tougher, albeit less stiff and strong than hydrophobic cements, and their mechanicalproperties may be easily adjusted by small changes in composition. Last, the simultaneous bioactive and degradablecharacter of HDBCs have been shown to allow in vitro growth of calcium phosphates into pores within the bulk of thecement.