Intracapsular pressure and caput circulation in nondisplaced femoral neck fractures

Nine patients with nondisplaced femoral neck fracture were evaluated with preoperative Tc-MDP-scintimetry, ultrasonography, and measurement of the intracapsular pressure. The intracapsular pressure in straight neutral position of the hip exceeded normal hip pressure in all cases. Patients with an intracapsular pressure greater than 80 mm Hg had a low scintimetric rate, indicating a risk for segmental collapse of the femoral head. Intracapsular tamponade may contribute to the development of segmental collapse in some patients with nondisplaced femoral neck fracture, but further investigations are needed to determine whether evacuation of the hemarthrosis should be recommended.