Abstract
A pressure sensor for measuring intradiscal pressure (IDP) has been developed. This sensor consists of a stainless steel needle (outside diameter, ∅1.2mm) which is provided with a semiconductor pressure sensor chip at the tip and a grip which contains a unique circuit to correct zero-point setting and sensitivity that would be affected by temperature change. In addition, this sensor makes it possible to measure IDP directly by the pressure sensor chip built in the lateral side of the tip, and to record the pressure-tropic property of the gel nucleus pulposus. Considering the data of clinical use in 18 patients, it is concluded that the newly developed intradiscal pressure sensor is sufficient to be used extensively in a clinical setting. And a difference between intradiscal vertical and horizontal pressure was observed. In addition, this sensor is used safely, accurately and easily with a percutaneous pressure measurement method.
