[Biological effect of bariumsulfate as contrast material in bone cement. An animal study on rabbit femora (author's transl)].

The investigations presented in this paper concern the question of toxicity of Bariumsulfate as an ingredient of bone-cement. In 6 rabbits the medullary cavity of the right femur was filled with bone-cement which contained Bariumsulfate as X-ray contrast ingredient and the left one with BaSO4-free bone-cement. 4 1/2 months post operationem the femura were investigated by histological and microradiographic methods. The status of both sides was compared. On the BaSO4-containing side regularly necrotic lamellar bone structures in the zones of osteogenesis and single disseminated necroses are found which are not caused by the primary lesion occuring during the implantation procedure. Additionally the zone of primary lesions which is found on both sides was more extensive at the BaSO4-containing side.