The mechanical properties of bone cement as controlled by processing technique: a critical review of the literature

Acrylic bone cement has been used with reasonable clinical success in total joint arthroplasties since the mid 1950´s when Charnely first instituted its use. The mechanical properties of bone cement are crucial for determining the success or failure of total joint replacements because bone cement is the weakest mechanical link in such a construction and is likely to be a factor in aseptic loosening of the prosthetic device. The objective of this paper is to provide a current review of the literature related to the effect of various processing techniques on the mechanical properties of bone cement. It provides data which describe the mechanical properties of various types of PMMA which have been processed under a variety of mixing conditions. The means for improving the properties of bone cement through the reduction of porosity and by addition of reinforcement phases are also discussed