Intraarticular pressure during operation of cervical hip fractures

The intraarticular pressure was measured during nailing of femoral neck fractures in 21 patients. A three-flanged nail or three screws were used randomly. During traction and inward rotation of the leg, the intracapsular pressure increased over diastolic values, but as soon as the lateral cortex was penetrated, the pressure dropped. The hammering of the nail did not increase the intraarticular pressure.