Thermal effects of polymerization of methyl-methacrylate on small tubular bones.

This study was designed to investigate the thermal effects of polymerization on small tubular bones. The results demonstrated only a slight increase in temperature during cement-curing in the medullary canals of these bones. The maximum rise (11.7 degrees C) was within the levels of tolerance for living bone cells. It was demonstrated that the small volumes of methyl-methacrylate cool more rapidly, hence further decreasing the deleterious effects of heat. The histological studies showed no recognisable adverse reaction to the thermal effects of methyl-methacrylate polymerization on small tubular bones or on the overlying tissue.