Initial interaction of osteoblasts with the surface of a hydroxyapatite-poly(methylmethacrylate) cement

Failure of the bone/cement interface in cemented joint prostheses is a cont ributor to implant loosening. The introduction of a bioactive phase, such a s hydroxyapatite (WA), to cement may enhance fixation by encouraging direct bone apposition rather than encapsulation of the implant by fibrous tissue . The effect of poly(methylmehacrylate) (PMMA) bone cement (incorporating 1 7.5% HA wt.) on bioactivity has been investigated using primary human osteo blast-like cells (HOB). A significantly higher cell proliferation and diffe rentiation was seen on the PMMA/HA cement compared to the PMMA cement alone , with retention of phenotype up to 21 days of culture on both materials. ( C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.