Serum Levels of Methyl Methacrylate Following Inhalational Exposure to Polymethylmethacrylate Bone Cement

Kelly Cornett Homlar, Meredith H. Sellers, Jennifer L. Halpern, Erin H. Seeley, Ginger E. Holt

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

9 Scopus citations

Abstract

Teratogenic effects of polymethylmethacrylate cement at levels used during routine orthopaedic procedures have never been reported, however the hypothetical risk remains a major concern among female surgeons. Our aim was to determine if methyl methacrylate is detectible in the serum during routine cement exposure. Methods: Twenty healthy volunteers were exposed during the mixing of polymethylmethacrylate cement in a simulated operating room environment. Forty serum samples were obtained during the expected peak inhalational exposure and levels of methyl methacrylate were assessed utilizing headspace gas chromatography mass spectrometry. Results: Methyl methacrylate was not detected in any of the forty experimental specimens. Conclusions: With a detection level of 0.5 ppm, methyl methacrylate is undetectable in the serum during routine mixing of polymethylmethacrylate cement.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)406-409
Number of pages4
JournalJournal of Arthroplasty
Volume28
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2013

Keywords

  • Methyl methacrylate
  • PMMA
  • Polymethylmethacrylate
  • Serum

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Orthopedics and Sports Medicine

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