Engineering analysis of penile hemodynamic and structural-dynamic relationships: Part II--Clinical implications of penile buckling.
OBJECTIVE
Penile buckling force was analytically described in terms of its constituents. In addition, theoretically-derived buckling force data were compared to clinically measured data and the influence of each constituent on penile buckling force data was assessed.


METHODS
Using engineering buckling theory for a column, a mathematically-derived penile buckling model was developed which incorporated geometric and hemodynamic data obtained by dynamic infusion pharmacocavernosometry studies in 21 impotent patients (age 43, range 24-62 y) as well as penile tissue mechanical characteristics previously developed (Part I).


RESULTS
In 17 of 21 patients the mean difference between theoretically derived and clinically measured buckling force data was 0.33 +/- 0.25 kg (r = 0.96). Factors which increased penile buckling forces were: (1) high intracavernosal pressure values (rigidity was related to pressure in an exponential-like fashion); (2) high penile aspect ratio (D/L) values (relatively large diameter/short length penile geometry) and high flaccid diameter; and (3) high cavernosal expandability values (a measure of the ability of the corpora to approach its erect volume with relatively low intracavernosal pressures).


CONCLUSIONS
Pressure-volume data (pressure, geometry and tissue characteristics) obtained during erectile function testing have been shown, for the first time, to theoretically predict the magnitude of clinically-measured penile buckling forces.
Udelson
D
D
Department of Urology, Boston University School of Medicine, MA 02118, USA.
Nehra
A
A
Hatzichristou
D G
DG
Azadzoi
K
K
Moreland
R B
RB
Krane
R J
RJ
Saenz de Tejada
I
I
Goldstein
I
I
D000328:Adult; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006439:Hemodynamics; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008433:Mathematics; D008875:Middle Aged; D008954:Models, Biological; D010413:Penis / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*