Identification of Microcirculation in Fracture of the Femural Neck: How Does the Intracapsular Hematoma Affect the Capillary Bloodflow in the Caput Femoris?

This project investigates wether the intra-capsular hematoma, that often occurs after fracture of the femural neck, decreases the capillary blood flow of the caput femoris.

During operation the measuring device of the O2c-machine in placed on the joint capsula first and afterwards, after surgical opening of the capsula, on the femur directly. The integral of the microcirculation of both parts of the femur is measured in both settings. So the capillary blood flow is measured with the hematoma still in situ, eventually putting pressure on the caput femoris and after the capsula has been opened, the pressure relieved and the hematoma removed. Both measurements are compared for each patient.

The O2c-machine measures non-invasive with light waves and laser-doppler. The sounding rod is packed in a sterile tube to prevent any contamination of the operation site.