Many authors have examined the mechanical properties of bone cement and the various factors that affect its mechanical behavior. This article presents a comprehensive survey on the reported mechanical properties of bone cement. Variables that influence the mechanical properties, such as handling characteristics, strain rate, loading modes, additives, porosity, blood inclusion, in vivo environment, temperature, etc. have also been reviewed. The importance of specifying these variables in reporting test results on the mechanical properties of bone cement is pointed out. Previous attempts to improve the mechanical properties of bone cement are also summarized. Future research areas important for fully characterizing the physical properties of PMMA are also suggested.

Mechanical properties of bone cement: A review

Mechanical performance of acrylic bone cements containing different radiopacifying agents.

Note: Fracture toughness testing of biomaterials using a mini‐short rod specimen design

Acrylic bone cements: mechanical and physical properties.

Fracture of the poly(methyl methacrylate) bone cement mantle can lead to the loosening and ultimate failure of cemented total joint prostheses. The addition of fibers to the bone cement increases fracture resistance and may reduce, if not eliminate, in vivo fracturing. This study discusses the effect of incorporating titanium (Ti) fibers on fracture toughness. Essential characteristics of the composite bone cement included a homogeneous and uniform fiber distribution, and a minimal increase in apparent viscosity of the polymerizing cement. Ti fiber contents of 1%, 2%, and 5% by volume increased the fracture toughness over non-reinforced bone cement by up to 56%. Bone cements of two different viscosities were used as matrix material, but when reinforced with the same fiber type and content, they showed no difference in fracture toughness. Four different fiber aspect ratios (68, 125, 227, 417) were tested. At 5% fiber content, there was no statistically significant dependence of fracture toughness on fiber aspect ratio. Scanning electron microscopy revealed important toughening mechanisms such as fiber/matrix debonding, local fracture path alteration, and ductile fiber deformation and fracture. Fiber fracture was evidence that the critical fiber length was exceeded. The surfaces of the Ti fibers were rough and irregular, indicating that a high degree of mechanical interlock between matrix and fiber was likely. The energy absorption contribution of plastic deformation and ductile fracture is absent in brittle fibers, like carbon, but is a distinction of the Ti fibers used in this study. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

The fracture toughness of titanium-fiber-reinforced bone cement.

Polymethyl methacrylate bone cement is tested at the Institute of Fracture and Solid Mechanics Laboratory, Lehigh University. Standard tensile coupon and compact tension specimens are molded under varying conditions of temperature and pressure. Test results are obtained for the strength and toughness of bone cement involved in total hip replacement operations.

A. T. Berman

Papers

Fracture toughness concept applied to methyl methacrylate.