Elevation of Intramedullary Pressure when Methylmethacrylate Is Inserted in Total Hip Arthroplasty

Abstract

In twelve patients undergoing total hip replacement, the femoral intramedullary pressure was measured. It was transitorily high when the femoral prosthesis was press-fit, higher when the methylmethacrylate was forced into the cavity, and highest when the femoral prosthesis was finally positioned. Venting proximally was ineffective but a distal vent prevented the rise in pressure. This may be good prophylaxis against embolization or cardiac arrest, or both.