Research Article
Lourdes Cristina de Albuque
Abstract
Two types of polymer matrix composites were designed to use as bone replacement: PMMA+HA and PMMA+45S5® Blown Fibers. The materials were tested in vivo for 60 days and compared to two control groups: empty bone defect and porous PMMA. The histology results suggest that both materials provide a suitable scaffold for bone growth with the presence of newly formed bone tissue, blood vessels, osteocytes and osteoblasts cells. For a better understanding of the mechanical properties of scaffolds to bear physiological loads when implanted, compressive tests were carried out. The results showed difference in the compressive behaviour of the two composites, PMMA+HA specimens achieved higher values approaching 9.0 MPa of ultimate strength while PMMA+45S5® had values close to 8.0MPa. Both materials are suitable to bone replacement of small size areas.