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

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.