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Basic Science
intermediate
X-Type

PMMA Bone Cement - Polymerization, Thermal Necrosis and Antibiotics

Biomaterials

During a cemented total hip arthroplasty, the surgical trainee is mixing the bone cement. The attending surgeon asks about the phases of cement curing and the chemical reactions involved. As the cement is inserted into the femoral canal, the importance of proper technique and timing is emphasized. Regarding the composition and polymerization of PMMA bone cement:

Mark each as TRUE or FALSE

A

PMMA cement consists of a POWDER component (polymethylmethacrylate polymer beads, benzoyl peroxide i...

B

Cement curing progresses through four phases: MIXING phase (wet, sticky), WAITING or RESTING phase (...

C

The polymerization reaction is ENDOTHERMIC and absorbs heat from surrounding tissues; the monomer co...

D

The polymerization reaction is EXOTHERMIC, generating temperatures of 70-120 degrees Celsius at the ...

E

PMMA achieves fixation through MECHANICAL INTERLOCK with trabecular bone (not chemical bonding); ade...

Answer the questions to see explanations

Click T (True) or F (False) for each option