Laser Doppler flowmetry and bone blood flow in an isolated perfused preparation.

A preparation of an isolated bovine forefoot was established which could be perfused with blood at variable rates. A laser Doppler flowmeter probe inserted into the cancellous bone of the metatarsal produced a signal which varied with changes in perfusion rate and oscillated in synchrony with the peristaltic perfusion pump. A stronger laser Doppler signal was obtained when the probe was inserted into a drill hole than when inserted into a hole bored with a guide wire. It appears that laser Doppler flowmetry has potential intraoperative use when the viability of bone is in question.