Enhancing Adhesion of Bone Cement to Metal through the use of Coupling Agents

Investigator: Scott A. Yerby, PhD

Summary: Debonding of the cement-implant interface is the initial event in loosening of total hip implants. The cement-implant interface is inherently weak in tension and shear and in many cases does not provide adequate strength to withstand the life of the implant. Silane coupling agents are a chemical coated applied to the implant which provides a chemical bond between the implant and cement. This study was undertaken to analyze the strength of this interface immediately after application and after 60 days of saline immersion. The silane provided significantly improved strength both immediately after application and after 60 days of saline immersion. This silane coupling agent should provide improved interface strength in the patient and longer implant life.

Selected Publications:

Paal AF, Yerby SA, Young PM, Beaupré GS, Goodman SB: The effect of a silane bonding agent at the bone cement-implant interface. Trans Orthop Res Soc 24:122, 1999.

Young PM, Yerby SA, Beaupré GS, Ohashi KL, Goodman SB: The effect of a silane coupling agent on the alloy/PMMA interface. Trans Orthop Res Soc 25:251, 2000.

Yerby SA, Paal AF, Young PM, Beaupré GS, Ohashi KL, Goodman SB: The effect of a silane coupling agent on the bond strength of bone cement and cobalt-chrome alloy. J Biomed Mater Res 49:127-133, 2000.

Funding Source: PAIRE: Kulzer GmbH

Years: 1997-1998