Non-metallic fixatives in orthopedic surgery. Some aspects of their present and future properties.

Some materials obviously possess bone fixing properties and may hence be used in anchoring prostheses to the bone, in filling bone defects and even in the fixation of fractures. The commercial bone cements are an example of materials already used today, and their development and basic properties are known. Some newer materials, which seem to possess bone fixing properties of a different kind are also, described. The polycarboxylate cements used in dentistry adhere to bone and metals by complex formation. Some hydrophilic materials, which absorb water while setting, have a self-locking capacity. Very strong composite resins can be obtained by mixture of suitable materials. A firm fixation may result from the growth of bone into some porous materials implanted into bone. Biodegradable products disappear from the tissues after some length of time, thus allowing healing to take place by a normal regenerative process. It is concluded that newer and better cementing materials are needed and that such materials may be expected soon to become available.