Research Projects

Bone cement is crucial in orthopedic surgery, particularly in bone cancer surgery, where it fills cavities created after tumor removal. However, re-surgery can be time-consuming and tedious, making cement removal a challenge. This project proposes two approaches to address this issue: finding alternative bone cements and improving drilling performance using high-speed drills and ultrasonic assisted devices. Currently, Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) bone cement is widely used for cavity filling, but it is difficult to remove during re-surgery. Recent studies suggest porous bone cement as an alternative. The first step involves preparing mechanically stable porous structures using PMMA, which will be evaluated through compression, flexural, and fracture toughness tests. Surface topography and porosity of the prepared samples will be characterized using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and micro CT. The second step involves investigating the machinability of prepared porous bone cement and solid CPC with novel drilling approaches. The project aims to minimize micro cracks during drilling to minimize machining time, using different drill bit geometries and process parameters. Additionally, the project explores the capability of rotary ultrasonic assisted drilling to minimize drilling time. Finite Element (FE) models will be developed to study crack propagation under external loads in porous bone cements using cohesive elements. In conclusion, the proposed project aims to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of bone cement removal during re-surgery by exploring alternative bone cements and improving drilling performance using high-speed drills and ultrasonic assisted devices.