Extraosseous variations of temperature during polymerization of acrylic cement in hip arthroplasties

In order to evaluate the estraosseous temperature variations during polymerization of acrylic cement being used in hip arthroplasty, measurements were taken on the anterior aspect of the upper part of the femur and also in the ipsilateral iliac vein. No variations were observed in the blood stream. On the external surface of the upper femur, the greatest variations were of the order of 3 degrees C. The significance of these findings is discussed.