The bone-cement interface: histological observations on the interface of cemented arthroplasties within the immediate and late phases

Abstract

Undecalcified specimens of cemented arthroplasties obtained during the early and late phases were studied. On the tenth postoperative day, there was excellent interlocking of the cement with the soft and hard tissues of the bone: there was no necrosis of the bed of the implant: a neutrophilic and macrophagic inflammatory response, where present, was mild and focal. Samples of the bone-cement interface of well fixed components obtained (at autopsy or by biopsy) many years after implantation revealed a thin and quiescent fibrous interfacial membrane alternating with bone and osteoid (that is, segmental osseointegration) or a cartilaginous layer abutting on the cement. It is concluded that, firstly, modern cementation techniques are not associated with extensive necrosis of the underlying bone in the immediate postoperative period; secondly, monomeric and polymeric methylmethacrylate as such is not toxic to the tissues; and, thirdly, acrylic cement is osseointegrated when motion at the interface is at its minimum.