Are total hip prostheses implanted with the use of methylmethacrylate biocompatible?
OBJECTIVE
The biocompatibility of total hip replacement prostheses and methylmethacrylate cement which is used for fixation of the prosthetic components has been subject to debate for three decades.


METHODS
We have studied the host response to total hip replacement prostheses in a number of clinical and experimental investigations.


RESULTS
Methylmethacrylate cement is immunologically relatively inert while it causes, in in vitro experiments and in vivo, a foreign body type of reaction. In cementless prostheses, the wear of polyethylene which is used for lining of the acetabular component causes a similar foreign body type of reaction.


CONCLUSIONS
Ultimately, the total hip prosthesis cannot be made invisible to the host system. The host response can be controlled and reduced, but not eliminated by technical improvement and development of more biocompatible materials.
Santavirta
S
S
Orthopaedic Hospital of the Invalid Foundation, Helsinki, Finland.
Konttinen
Y T
YT
Nordström
D
D
Gristina
A
A
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D001843:Bone Cements; D006622:Hip Prosthesis; D006801:Humans; D008768:Methylmethacrylates
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D001843:Bone Cements; D008768:Methylmethacrylates