title: Intramedullary pressure during endoscopy of the long bone: experimental results of a new endoscopic technique.
abstract: This study shows the local changes in intramedullary pressure during a new endoscopic technique for the medullary canal of the long bone. The procedure of intramedullary bone endoscopy (IBE) was performed on 4 tibial amputations. By slowly pushing the endoscope distally under visual control and endoscopic preparation of the medullary canal, a "neocavum" for endoscopy was created. During the procedure, the intramedullary pressure was continuously measured: Highest peak pressure was 125 mm Hg. We therefore conclude that the procedure of IBE is a safe intervention within the medullary canal of the long bone. Local or systemic side effects, common to intramedullary reaming in fracture treatment (fat-embolism, local bone necrosis, reduction in cortical blood flow) should not be expected.
authors.affiliation: Department of Trauma and Reconstructive Surgery, Katharinenhospital, Stuttgart, Germany. m.oberst@katharinenhospital.de
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Oberst
authors.forename: Alexander
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bosse
authors.forename: Ulrich
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Holz
mesh_terms: D000671:Amputation, Surgical / Q000379:methods*; D001853:Bone Marrow / Q000601:surgery*; D002102:Cadaver; D002404:Catheterization; D004620:Embolism, Fat / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D005594:Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D011312:Pressure; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D013977:Tibia / Q000601:surgery*