Histologic response to porous PMMA implant materials

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Abstract
Poly(methyl methacrylate) as used in polymer replica tooth implants was fabricated into 6 × 6 mm cylindrical specimens and cured in either an air oven, pressure pot, autoclave, or microwave oven. Polymer porosity was achieved by means of either (1) intrinsic foaming agents, or (2) compacting different sizes of large beads with a minimum of monomer, with dense PMMA used as a control. Specimens were then implanted in the long bones of baboons. Histology of thin-sectioned and ground specimens from the sacrificed animals revealed complete tissue ingrowth into implanted material made of medium and large PMMA beads, very superficial ingrowth into material containing foaming agents and anorganic bone chips, and no ingrowth into dense PMMA implants. None of the implants were rejected or caused chronic inflammation. The effect on histologic response of the different curing methods could not be distinguished.