The composition of Mectacem^® is very close to existing well known cements. The choices adopted are all to be found in one of the two leading products available and only differing by the additives.
If buthylmethacrylate is to be found in Mectacem^® this is because its monomer is an ester with a longer molecular chain which significantly reduces polymerisation temperatures (see temp chart), while generating less vapours.
From a clinical point of view this is very important as less temperature causes less bone necrosis and means less monomer in the vascular system during surgery. From a technical point of view it also improves the elasticity properties of the cements since it modifies the molecular structure enhancing long term results.
The choice of barium sulphate is also linked to a rational choice since literature and various studies have brought to evidence that barium sulphate causes less damage to bearing surfaces and lower wear rates while reducing particulate debris. Mectacem^® bone cements are therefore three times less abrasive than cements containing zirconium dioxide.