Bioactive Bone Cements: A Review of Novel Approaches for Enhancing the Performance and Advanced Applications of Calcium-Phosphate Cements for Clinical Bone Regeneration

Articles in Press

Document Type : Review Paper

Authors

Seyede Fateme Mousavinasab

sahar mollazadeh

Ferdowsi University of Mashhad

10.22067/jmme.2026.95705.1225

Abstract

The aging population and sports-related injuries have led to a significant increase in bone- diseases and fractures. Fractures due to trauma or osteoporosis, as well as bone diseases, are a major clinical challenge. Biocompatible materials used as bone repair materials in orthopedic surgery are known as bone cements. Bone cements currently used for clinical applications can be classified into two main groups: polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) cements, and calcium phosphate (CPC) bone cements. The excellent mechanical properties of PMMA make them a suitable option for use as bone substitutes. However, the use of these cements may cause severe side effects including: high Young's modulus and polymerization temperature, as well as their non-degradability after implantation. In contrast, CPCs, has similar chemical compositions to natural bone. This cement provides setting reactions at room - temperatures and exhibit high bioactivity and biodegradability. Calcium phosphate cements have opened a new era in the fabrication of bone defects in biomedical applications. The unique properties of CPCs, such as easy molding, injectability in practical use, excellent biocompatibility, and biodegradability, have made them an excellent alternative material. However, the poor mechanical properties and long setting time of apatite cements have limited their use to the non-load-bearing bone defects. This review article, discussing the brief history, classification, and advantages and disadvantages of bone cements, especially CPCs. Also, new strategies, including the addition of bioactive glasses and metal ions, to overcome these limitations are examined to develop a new generation of bone cements with improved performance.

Keywords

Bone cement

calcium-phosphate

apatite

polymethyl methacrylate

Subjects

• Advanced Materials

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