[Intraoperative recording of intramedullary pressures with a microprobe]

The implantation of femoral prostheses and intramedullary nailing for fracture stabilisation are well-established techniques in traumatology. Nevertheless, the obvious biomechanical advantages of intramedullary splinting are partly offset by occasional disturbances of pulmonary circulation and function. These disorders of pulmonary function are apparently correlated with an operation-induced increase in intramedullary pressure. A simple, low-invasive and reliable system for the measurement of intramedullary pressure is presented. The heart of the system is a microtip probe that converts changes in pressure into electrical impulses, which are then filtered and amplified in the pressure measuring system (PMS).