[Additional information regarding periarticular ossifications after total hip replacement (author's transl)].

Residual monomer originating from acrylic bone cement is not the origin of periarticular calcifications after hip joint replacement. This has been demonstrated by gaschromatografic detection of monomeric methylmethacrylate in the liquid of the joint space. Up to 200 microng/ml monomeric MMA could be demonstrated in the first days after the operation only. The concentration of residual monomeric MMA in the bone cement is 1% to 4%. It is deminished time dependently by diffusion of the molecule in the surrounding tissue. All determined concentrations of monomeric MMA in the joint liquid are below the toxic range for tissue demage.