Strontium Ions Substitution in Brushite Crystals: The Role of Strontium Chloride

The incorporation of strontium chloride to brushite cement was successful to introduce strontium ions within the lattice of brushite crystals. The effect of strontium ions on brushite cement properties was concentration dependent; such that, the addition of 5% and 10% (w/w) SrCl(2) significantly increased the cement FST and the addition of 10% SrCl(2) decreased the cement tensile strength. Further, cement weight loss was shown to be increased by cement modification with SrCl(2). The combination of ionic substitution and the degradability of brushite cements would constitute a system for the local delivery of strontium ions in the treatment of osteoporosis.