[Radioactivity of bone cement]

A total of 14 samples of different types of bone cement from five different manufacturers were examined for their radioactivity. Each of the investigated bone cements showed a low radioactivity level, i.e. between < 1 and 100 Bq/kg. The content of U-238 and K-40 always was below the limit of detection (< 1-< 10 Bq/kg). Significant differences were detected in the amount of Ra-226, Pb-210, and Ra-228 detected between different samples of the same product from the same manufacturer, as well as between various types of cements. The highest radioactivity level was measured for Ra-226. Although stochastic radiation effects can not totally be excluded, it is extremely unlikely that the small amount of radioactive substances additionally transferred into the body by the bone cement has negative effects on the recipient's organism or on the fate of the alloplastic implant: "The risk factor and extrapolation in a low dosage range ... do not lead to an underestimation but more likely to an overestimation of the radiation hazard" [18].