What material is commonly used as bone cement in total joint arthroplasty?

• A. Polymethyacrylate
• B. Ceramic cement
• C. Carbon fiber cement
• D. Acrylic resin

Answer: (A)

Bone cement used to secure implants in total joint arthroplasty is typically polymethyl methacrylate, commonly called acrylic bone cement. This material is mixed as a powder and liquid to form a dough that fills gaps between the bone and the prosthetic, then polymerizes into a solid polymer. This creates a strong, stable interface that anchors the implant and distributes loads. PMMA is radiopaque and can be formulated to deliver antibiotics locally if needed, which helps with infection control.

Other materials listed aren’t standard bone cements for joint fixation. The term acrylic resin describes the same general family of materials, but the specific, conventionally used bone cement is polymethyl methacrylate.