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Updated: May 23, 2026
Nine-Grid Area Division Method: A New Ideal Bone Puncture Region for Percutaneous Vertebroplasty in Lumbar Spine
Published on: August 9, 2024
Inhalation study of polymethyl methacrylate following radiologist exposure during percutaneous vertebroplasty
Nicolas Amoretti1, Lucia Coco, Yasir Nouri
1Service d'Imagerie Médicale, Centre Hospitalier Régional et Universitaire de Nice, Hôpital Archet 2, 151 route de Saint Antoine de Ginestière, B.P 3079, 06202, Nice Cedex 3, France. amorettinicolas@yahoo.fr
Objective:
To assess the atmospheric concentrations of methyl methacrylate (MMA) vapors during percutaneous vertebroplasty for the interventional radiologist and the other operating room staff.
Materials And Methods:
During percutaneous vertebroplasty, a polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) mixture (about 20 mL) was prepared with a mixing system in a normally ventilated room. Atmospheric concentrations of MMA vapors were measured by a gas absorbent badge for individual exposure (GABIE) passive sampler attached to the surgical gowns of the interventional radiologist and the other operating room staff over a period of 460 min. Active sampling was performed over 15 min with an individual pump placed near the breathing zone of the radiologist. MMA vapor concentrations were then measured using gas chromatography and activated charcoal tubes.
Results:
Mean MMA vapor concentrations measured by the GABIEs over the period of 460 min were 0.51 parts per million (ppm) for the radiologist and 0.22 ppm for the other operating room staff. The emission peaks measured by using charcoal tubes over 15 min were 3.7 ppm.
Conclusion:
MMA vapor concentrations during percutaneous vertebroplasty were well below the recommended maximum exposure of 100 ppm over the course of an 8-h workday.
Insights
Atmospheric methyl methacrylate (MMA) vapor concentrations during percutaneous vertebroplasty were measured. MMA levels remained well below occupational safety limits, ensuring a safe environment for medical staff.
Area of Science:
- Interventional Radiology
- Occupational Health
- Polymer Chemistry
Background:
- Percutaneous vertebroplasty utilizes polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) bone cement.
- PMMA cement releases methyl methacrylate (MMA) vapors during preparation and application.
- Assessing staff exposure to MMA vapors is crucial for workplace safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify atmospheric MMA vapor concentrations.
- To evaluate exposure levels for interventional radiologists and operating room staff.
- To compare measured concentrations against established occupational exposure limits.
Main Methods:
- Atmospheric MMA concentrations were measured during PMMA mixture preparation.
- Passive samplers (GABIE) monitored exposure over 460 minutes.
- Active sampling with charcoal tubes assessed short-term peak concentrations (15 minutes).
- Gas chromatography was used for MMA vapor analysis.
Main Results:
- Mean MMA concentrations were 0.51 ppm for radiologists and 0.22 ppm for other staff (460 min).
- Peak MMA emission concentrations reached 3.7 ppm over 15 minutes.
- All measured concentrations were significantly lower than the 100 ppm 8-hour workday limit.
Conclusions:
- MMA vapor levels during percutaneous vertebroplasty are safe for operating room personnel.
- The study confirms that standard ventilation is adequate for controlling MMA exposure.
- Interventional procedures using PMMA cement can be performed without exceeding occupational health guidelines.
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