Laser ablation of dyed acrylic bone cement

Polymethylmethacrylate (PIMMA) is a compound used extensively in orthopaedic surgery for the fixation of prosthetic components to bone in total joint arthroplasty. PMMA has proven to be successful due to its excellent strength and durability, especially in older more sedentary patients. However, studies have shown a high incidence of loosening, notably in younger more active patients. Revision of cemented implants is often more difficult than the initial operation. Current surgical procedures are mechanical and tend to cause trauma to the surrounding bone tissue. A nonmechanical method to remove bone cement would greatly minimize bone damage. Attempts have been made to remove bone cement by laser, but with very little success. This study illustrates the use of dyes to selectively alter the ablation characteristics of PMMA in order to enhance cement ablation