X-RAY-DIFFRACTION ANALYSIS OF BONE-CEMENT INTERFACE IN FAILED HIP ARTHROPLASTIES

This study was focused on the bone tissue response to cement in failed hip joint prostheses. The investigation was carried out by means of m icro-beam X-ray diffractometric (XRD) analysis of the bone-cement inte rface. Nine cemented prostheses retrieved because of loosening were st udied. This research has demonstrated that the newly formed bone close to the cement in Loosened prostheses showed a normal apatitic structu re, though bone tissue was often found poorly mineralized. In contrast , in stable prostheses well-mineralized bone was observed. In both cas es, however, the bone apatite lattice at the interface was shown not t o be different from pre-existing bone. The authors conclude that the m ineralization process close to the cement can be thoroughly evaluated by micro-beam XRD techniques.