Composite implants for orthopedic applications: in vivo evaluation of candidate resins.

Three resins which include poly (methyl methacrylate), surgical Simplex P, and ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene were selected to be evaluated as candidate systems for a polymer based composite for hard tissue prosthesis. Characterization of the mechanical behavior of these polymers in different environments including in vitro and in vivo storage was accomplished. As a result, conclusions were made as to which material maintained the least amount of mechanical variance as influenced by environmental effects. In vivo studies of implanted materials provided for a study of soft tissue response to each material. Conclusions were then developed as to the varying degrees of tissue reaction initiated by each material, and which resin generated the greatest tissue response with respect to the others.