Acute local tissue effects of polymerizing acrylic bone cement. An intravital microscopic study in the hamster's check pouch on the chemically induced microvascular changes.

The chemical effect of polymerizing CMW and Simplex-P bone cements was recorded by intravital microscopy in the hamster's cheek pouch. Thermal effects and pressure on the tissue were eliminated. Where a direct cement-tissue contact was present, severe, apparently irreversible, microcirculatory disturbances were recorded. Both cements caused equally extensive microvascular damage. Intact epithelium and connective tissue appeared to protect the underlying vascular bed from the effect of the monomer. No differences in tissue reaction were recorded when the cement past was applied after normal and prolonged kneading.