UNLABELLED: 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. Published by Elsevier Inc.
UNLABELLED: 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. Published by Elsevier Inc.