Appearing in the 1960s, acrylic cements are universally used for the sealing of joint prostheses (hip, knee, shoulder, elbow…). They allow the total replacement of deficient joints in very favorable conditions for the surgeon and the patient. Bone cements come in the classic form of a solid powder phase and a liquid phase. The solid phase mainly contains polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) beads and a free radical polymerization initiator such as benzoyl peroxide (BPO). Traditionally, radio-opacifying fillers, barium sulfate (BaSO4) or zirconium dioxide (ZrO2) are added to the solid phase. The liquid phase is mainly composed of MMA and a radical activator, usually N,N-dimethyl-p-toluidine (DMPT) if BPO is used in the solid phase. To use the cement, the practitioner must therefore mix these two phases for a time specific to each cement depending on the ambient temperature. The mixing time, followed by the time of use of the cement are not always ideal depending on the surgery. In addition, this process has a second disadvantage, namely the handling of toxic monomers. PolymerExpert has therefore completely redesigned the cement injection system.

Expert operation, single-phase cement

Working on both the tool and the cement formulation, PolymerExpert has developed a surgeon-ready single-phase acrylic bone cement. The individual components are mixed in a cartridge, except for the reaction activator. This activator, placed in the mixer, will allow polymerization only when the product is injected into the bone. This makes it much easier for the practitioner to use. This system makes it possible to obtain an identical viscosity during each intervention. The diffusion of the cement in the bone is then optimal. The monomers, already mixed and placed in the cartridge are thus without risk for the personnel intervening in the operating room.