Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 5, 2026
Fabricating Superhydrophobic Polymeric Materials for Biomedical Applications
Published on: August 28, 2015
The effect of polymethyl methacrylate on latex-free surgical gloves
T B Edwards1, S Habetz, R D D'ambrosia
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112, USA.
Abstract:
In the current medical environment of increased awareness about latex sensitivity, more patients are presenting with known latex allergy. One such patient presented to us for total knee arthroplasty. During this procedure, we noticed holes in our latex-free surgical gloves when polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) was being handled. Through subsequent testing of different brands of latex-free surgical gloves with various brands of bone-cement, we found that Allergard latex-free surgical gloves are destroyed by contact with PMMA. Biogel Neotech and Duraprene latex-free gloves show no such destruction. These results indicate that Allergard gloves should not be used in procedures in which bone-cement is employed. Biogel Neotech and Duraprene latex-free gloves are an acceptable alternative.
Insights
Latex-free surgical gloves may degrade when exposed to bone cement (polymethyl methacrylate). Allergard gloves were destroyed, while Biogel Neotech and Duraprene gloves remained intact, offering safe alternatives for latex-sensitive patients.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Materials Science
- Allergy and Immunology
Background:
- Increasing prevalence of latex allergy necessitates careful selection of medical devices.
- Total knee arthroplasty procedures require reliable surgical gloves.
- Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) bone cement is a common material used in orthopedic surgery.
Observation:
- Holes were observed in latex-free surgical gloves during a total knee arthroplasty when handling PMMA.
- This prompted an investigation into the compatibility of different latex-free glove brands with PMMA.
Findings:
- Allergard latex-free surgical gloves demonstrated degradation upon contact with PMMA.
- Biogel Neotech and Duraprene latex-free gloves showed no adverse effects when exposed to PMMA.
- Glove material integrity is compromised by specific interactions with bone cement components.
Implications:
- Allergard gloves are unsuitable for surgical procedures involving PMMA.
- Biogel Neotech and Duraprene gloves are recommended as safe alternatives for patients with latex allergy undergoing procedures with bone cement.
- Material compatibility testing is crucial for ensuring patient safety in healthcare settings.
