In postmortem examinations 26 hip joints of 23 adult individuals were filled with Ringer's solution in order to furnish data on the relationship between intra-articular pressure, capsular content, and joint position. A tube system was connected to an 18-gauge needle and to a pressure transducer. After instillation of 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, and 10.0 ml of Ringer's solution, intra-articular pressure was recorded in six different joint positions (extension, 45 degrees and 90 degrees flexion, 40 degrees internal and 40 degrees external rotation, and 45 degrees abduction in extension). Intra-articular pressure depends mainly on the position of the joint, with highest values in external and internal rotation and lowest values in 45 degrees flexion. In this last position, the pressure was zero in two of four cases after injection of 10 ml, whereas with external rotation and instillation of 2.5 ml almost 60 kPa was recorded. In extension and after filling with 10 ml the pressure exceeded the level of normal systolic blood pressure in all cases. Under pathologic conditions intra-articular pressure of the hip joint can rise well above arterial pressure and thus eventually compromise vascular supply to the femoral head, even in the presence of only minimal intra-articular effusion.

No abstract

No abstract

A method is described for the determination of cardiac volume with the subject in a sitting position. The results correspond with those of other accepted methods, but there are several significant advantages: 1. The position is easily maintained by the subject and the method is therefore acceptable for patients with cardiac disease. 2. The risks connected with a Valsalva effect are reduced. 3. There is no need to change the position of the x-ray tube during the examination. 4. Contrary to the traditional technique, the x-ray room does not require a very high ceiling. 5. Because of even blood distribution, the cardiac volume determinations also provide information regarding the lungs.

No abstract