Laser Doppler bone probe: an experimental study in dogs

Immediate reintervention is necessary when vascular insufficiency is suspected in free bone transfers. We tested the reliability of the laser doppler bone probe in recording steady state and arterial and venous occlusion. During steady state the flux signal was not constant but fluctuated. During arterial occlusion an immediate and reproducible decrease in flux signal was seen. No evident changes were seen during venous occlusion. These results have clinical importance in monitoring free bone transfers.