Cortical bone microperfusion: response to ischemia and changes in major arterial blood flow.

In order to investigate the effects of short-term ischemia on cortical bone microperfusion, an isolated porcine tibia diaphyseal preparation based on intact nutrient vessels was developed. Laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) was utilized to assess continuously the cortical microcirculation and the response to short-term ischemia. The femoral artery was isolated and clamped to develop the condition of bone ischemia. On release of the clamp, reactive hyperemia was documented in all animals. Using a roller pump connected to a segment of femoral artery, the same preparation was utilized to investigate the effect of a changing femoral artery flow on the cortical microcirculation. A positive correlation between LDF output and change in arterial inflow (r = 0.64) was defined. This model has the potential for studying the effect of ischemia on bone cell viability.