The effect of a silane coupling agent on the bond strength of bone cement and cobalt-chrome alloy

J Biomed Mater Res. 2000 Jan;49(1):127-33. doi: 10.1002/(sici)1097-4636(200001)49:1<127::aid-jbm16>3.0.co;2-g.

Abstract

Debonding of the cement-implant interface has been hypothesized to be the leading initial indicator of failed total hip prostheses. Many attempts have been made to increase the bond strength of this interface by precoating the implant, increasing the implant's surface roughness, and creating macro-grooves or channels on the implant. However, each of these approaches introduces new complications. This study introduces a unique silane coupling agent used to chemically bond the bone cement to the implant. Cylindrical cobalt-chrome samples were treated with the silane coupling agent, bonded to polymethylmethacrylate, and pushed out to failure. The mean shear strengths were compared to the failure strengths of untreated samples. Half of the specimens were tested immediately following cement curing, and the other half were tested after immersion in saline solution for 60 days. The mean shear strength of the silane-coated samples ranged from 18.2 to 24.1 MPa, and the mean shear strength of the uncoated samples ranged from 7.6 to 15.0 MPa. The increase in strength following silane coating noted in this study may increase the longevity of the implant by decreasing debonding at the interface and, therefore, subsequent failure due to loosening.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Bone Cements / chemistry*
  • Chromium Alloys / chemistry*
  • Microspheres
  • Particle Size
  • Polymethyl Methacrylate / chemistry*
  • Silanes / chemistry*
  • Surface Properties

Substances

  • Bone Cements
  • Chromium Alloys
  • Silanes
  • Polymethyl Methacrylate