title: Airborne Exposure of Methyl Methacrylate During Simulated Total Hip Arthroplasty and Fabrication of Antibiotic Beads.
abstract: As the use of cement remains prevalent in orthopedic surgery, so do concerns over the safety of its active ingredient, methyl methacrylate (MMA). The Occupational Health and Safety Agency (OSHA) limits the airborne exposure to 100 parts per million (ppm) averaged over an 8 hour period. We measured MMA exposure to operating room personnel during simulated total hip arthroplasty (THA), antibiotic bead fabrication and simulated spill of MMA. Cumulative and peak exposures during simulated THA and antibiotic bead fabrication did not exceed OSHA limits of 100ppm. Vacuum mixing and greater distance from the vapor source reduced measured MMA exposure. Spilled MMA led to prolonged and elevated MMA levels. MMA levels returned to a negligible level in all scenarios by 20 minutes after mixing.
authors: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Geisinger Health System, Danville, Pennsylvania.
authors: Amy L
authors: AL
authors: Speeckaert
authors: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Geisinger Health System, Danville, Pennsylvania.
authors: Justin G
authors: JG
authors: Brothers
authors: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Geisinger Health System, Danville, Pennsylvania.
authors: Nathaniel C
authors: NC
authors: Wingert
authors: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Geisinger Health System, Danville, Pennsylvania.
authors: Jove H
authors: JH
authors: Graham
authors: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Geisinger Health System, Danville, Pennsylvania.
authors: Joel C
authors: JC
authors: Klena
mesh_terms: D000388:Air / Q000032:analysis; D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational / Q000032:analysis*; D019644:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip; D001843:Bone Cements / Q000032:analysis*; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D006801:Humans; D019570:Inhalation Exposure; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D009873:Operating Rooms; D019904:Polymethyl Methacrylate / Q000032:analysis*; D014835:Volatilization
chemical_list: D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational; D001843:Bone Cements; D019904:Polymethyl Methacrylate
keywords: antibiotic beads; hip arthroplasty; methyl methacrylate