title: Polymethylmethacrylate: properties and contemporary uses in orthopaedics.
abstract: Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) has been used in orthopaedics since the 1940s. Despite the development and popularity of new biomaterials, PMMA remains popular. Although its basic components remain the same, small proprietary and environmental changes create variations in its properties. PMMA can serve as a spacer and as a delivery vehicle for antibiotics, and it can be placed to eliminate dead space. Endogenous and exogenous variables that affect its performance include component variables, air, temperature, and handling and mixing. PMMA is used in hip arthroplasty and vertebral augmentation, notably, vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty. Cardiopulmonary complications have been reported.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics, St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center, Toledo, OH, USA.
authors.forename: Todd
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Jaeblon
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D019644:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D001843:Bone Cements / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D006801:Humans; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures; D019904:Polymethyl Methacrylate / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D054854:Vertebroplasty
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D001843:Bone Cements; D019904:Polymethyl Methacrylate