In Vitro Experimental Study of the Interface Cement-Femoral Prostheses

Abstract

The classical metallographic technique allows studying the behavior of bone cements. It provides a way to describe the ability of the cement to contact with the metal. Cement-prostheses interfaces were observed using this conventional technique. Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) .freshly mixed was applied. Chunks of femoral stems Charnley type of 316L stainless steel, Co-Cr-Mo alloy and Ti not alloyed with different perimeters and surface rugosities were analysed by Scanning Electron Microscopy. Metal type of the specimens had not appreciably influence, but rugosity and perimeter together had effect on the interface, metal-cement. The specimens with smoother surfaces resulted in a better contact metal-cement than that with a high degree of surface roughness. Even though low viscosity cement was applied it was difficult to assure a total contact of the metal with the cement. The observed physical changes were explained as a consequence of PMMA polymerization process.