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 contributor to implant loosening. The introduction of a bioactive phase, such as hydroxyapatite (HA), to cement may enhance fixation by encouraging direct bone apposition rather than encapsulation of the implant by fibrous tissue. The effect of poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA) bone cement (incorporating 17.5% HA wt.) on bioactivity has been investigated using primary human osteoblast-like cells (HOB). A significantly higher cell proliferation and differentiation 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.