Micro-Mechanics of Post-Mortem Retrieved Cement-Bone Interfaces: Influence of Interface Morphology

PMMA bones cements are used routinely to fix implants to bone. The interface between cement and bone is relied on for fixation and it is well recognized that there is a biologic response to the presence of PMMA. Bleeding of the bone bed during the arthroplasty procedure, thermal necrosis from the polymerization process, and bone remodeling has been described as factors affecting the integrity of the cement-bone interface. While substantial efforts have been made to understand the mechanical characteristics of the cement-bone interface from lab-prepared specimens there is actually very little understanding of the mechanics of cement-bone interfaces that have been in service.