[Digital inflection rigidometry in the study of erectile dysfunction. A new technique]

A device for reliable measurement of penile axial rigidity has been sought for some time. Three years of research have led to the development of the Digital Inflexion Rigidometer. The new technique and the results obtained are described herein.

The Digital Inflexion Rigidometer was utilized in 150 patients that had consulted for erectile dysfunction of different etiologies.

In 60% of the cases, the Rigiscan recorded a circumferential rigidity of 60-70%; However, the Digital Inflexion Rigidometer showed penile axial rigidity to be insufficient for coitus. Fourteen cases with psychogenic erectile dysfunction had an axial rigidity greater than 600 gms, a difference of more than 300 gms in comparison with the recorded clinical postinjection rigidity. Home Digital Inflexion Rigidometry of 14 cases suspected of having venous leakage showed a difference of 300 to 500 gms between the first and second measurement (performed after taking 3 or 4 steps).

In our view, the Digital Inflexion Rigidometer is a useful diagnostic tool in erectile dysfunction which permits precise and painless measurement of the penile axial rigidity, relative intracavernosal pressure and penile temperature.