PMMA Cements

Although the bone cement which are currently commercially available are all based on the same chemical substance (methyl methacrylate = MMA), their physical and chemical properties differ.

Cementing endoprostheses is one of the most frequently performed orthopedic procedures in the world today. PMMA cements are used to anchor artificial joints. They fill up the free space between the prosthesis and bone and constitute a very important elastic zone. Owing to their optimal rigidity the cement can evenly buffer the forces acting against the bone. Although the bone cement which are currently commercially available are all based on the same chemical substance (methyl methacrylate = MMA), their physical and chemical properties differ. The completely revised second addition of the book “PMMA (Bone) Cements” could not have a better timing. In a contemporary overview about biological, physical and chemical characteristics of PMMA cement, physicians, material developers, pharmacists, microbiologist, and economists should gain a basic understanding of the subject. It should also serve them as a reference book. In particular for future physicians and hospital personnel numerous questions will be addressed which have been posed during trainings, congresses and expert gatherings concerning the use of PMMA cement in the operating theater in a save and competent way. Also for decision makers at the hospital administration a comprehensive platform has been created which can be used as a basis of their assessment.