Bone Cement - the “superglue” of #OrthopedicSurgery
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Bone cement isn’t actually cement at all - it’s a special type of medical-grade acrylic (PMMA) that starts as two components: a powder and a liquid. When mixed in the OR, it triggers a heated chemical reaction that transforms it from a dough-like substance into a rock-solid foundation. Science Behind It:
- Powder contains pre-polymerized PMMA beads, radio-opacifier (for X-ray) and initiator
- Liquid contains methyl methacrylate monomer and activator
- Mixed together, they create an exothermic reaction reaching 190°F
⏱️ Timing is everything as the #bonecement goes through distinct phases:
- Mixing phase: Components are combined
- Sticky/waiting phase: Mixture begins to set
- Working phase: Perfect time for surgeons to apply
- Hardening phase: Final solidification
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Today’s bone cement can even be loaded with antibiotics for infection prevention. Modern vacuum-mixing techniques help reduce porosity and ensure optimal strength. Fun fact: Sir John Charnley pioneered its use in hip replacements in the 1950s, revolutionizing joint replacement surgery and now used for millions of procedures worldwide #JointReplacement
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👇 Bone Cement in your body? SHARE your experience and questions
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🎥 @drkennin @savcherry @insidesurgery
