Optimization of an acidic calcium phosphate cement with enhanced radiopacity

Optimization of an acidic calcium phosphate cement with enhanced radiopacity. INTRODUCTION: Calcium phosphate cements (CPCs) are commonly used in biomedical applications due to their resemblance to the mineral phase of bone. However, due to this resemblance the radiopacity of CPC is very similar to that of bone. The inorganic radiopacifiers (e.g. ZrO 2 and BaSO 4) commonly used in non degradable bone cements are not water-soluble and cements utilizing these radiopacifiers have shown an increased bone resorption [1]. To overcome this problem, other radio opaque agents need to be investigated. Studies have shown that strontium can enhance the osteoblasts activity, which could lead to increased bone formation [2]. Hence, soluble strontium salts could be an alternative for enhanced radiopacity. However, additives that do not (or only partially) take part in the setting reaction may have a negative effect on the cement's mechanical properties. In this study the influence of additions of strontium chloride (SrCl 2) on various properties of a CPC is evaluated. The objective is to find an optimal composition with regards to radiopacity, compressive strength (CS), and setting time.