Medizinische Universität Graz Austria/Österreich - Forschungsportal - Medical University of Graz
Gewählte Publikation:
Jelecevic, J.
Comparison of physical and practical properties of vacuum mixing systems for acrylic bone cement
[ Diplomarbeit ] Graz Medical University; 2012. pp. 51
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- Autor*innen der Med Uni Graz:
- Betreuer*innen:
- Kühn Klaus-Dieter
- Leithner Andreas
- Altmetrics:
- Abstract:
- Introduction Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) based bone cements have been successfully used in orthopedic surgery and trauma for decades. A few studies have reported about monomer fumes during preparation of PMMA bone cements. MMA is known for its sensitizing and toxic properties. As a result, strict rules have been set and defined (Maximal Exposure Limit short. MEL) regarding the maximum occupational exposure concentration. It has been shown that vacuum mixing systems significantly reduce the MMA exposure compared to the conventional bowl mixing. Our goal was to test two commonly used vacuum mixing systems regarding MMA fume release and by doing so to investigate possible environmental factors that may have an influence on MMA fume concentration in the breathing air of the operating staff. Methods We have tested two vacuum mixing systems (Palamix® and Optivac®) using PalacosR® bone cement, in a series of standardized trials in a laboratory (in vitro) as well as in an OP theatre (in vivo). Well experienced user of both mixing systems performed the cement preparation in an in vivo-like set up 5 times for each mixing system. MMA was quantified every second over a period of 3 minutes using a photo-ionization detector (PID) (MiniRAE® 3000) device positioned in the breathing area of the user. Results Significant differences regarding the MMA fume concentration were observed depending on the ventilation system, them being highest in an uncontrolled air flow environment, in a laboratory and very low while performing in an operating theatre under the laminar flow ventilation. Generally we have found that there are no significant differences between the two tested systems Palamix® and Optivac® regarding the MMA fume release. All measured concentrations of MMA were very low (0.1 - 20 ppm/3 min) considering the MEL (50 ppm/8h). Discussion Usage of vacuum mixing systems for PMMA bone cement preparation cannot fully prevent MMA leakage into the surrounding. Regardless to the mixing system, the most noticeable MMA concentrations are measured after application. Laminar airflow ventilating system or rather the controlled air pathway has a major influence in sensing the low MMA concentrations in the operating theatre by the staff. It is our opinion that our findings can help the users of vacuum bone cement mixing systems, to further reduce MMA exposure. Recommendable is mixing of the bone cement under laminar airflow in such manner that allows the MMA fume to be blown out through the ventilation while the user himself remains out of the air pathway.