Effect of CO2 laser on healing of cultured meniscus

✍ Scribed by Tsai, Ching-Lin; Huang, Lynn L. H.; Kao, Ming-Chien

• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 1997
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 435 KB
• Volume: 20
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0196-8092
• DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1096-9101(1997)20:2<172::aid-lsm8>3.0.co;2-n

✦ Synopsis

Background and Objective:

A new method to improve cartilage repair is clinically important. The enhancement of meniscal healing by low power CO 2 laser was investigated in an organ culture system. Study Design/Materials and Methods: A longitudinal or a radial defect was made in the avascular zone of rabbit menisci. Irradiation by CO 2 laser with 1 W (energy density 50 J/cm 2 ) and 2 W (energy density 100 J/cm 2 ) was used. Results: Histologic and scanning electron microscopic evaluations revealed that both energy densities of laser irradiation and the type of and the site of meniscal defect can influence the course and the outcome of meniscal healing. A marked increase in fibrochondrocytic proliferation and regeneration of collagen fibers were demonstrated in the meniscal defects irradiated by 100 J of CO 2 laser energy. Conclusions: The healing of meniscal defects could be promoted by low power CO 2 laser irradiation. Lasers Surg. Med. 20:172-178, 1997.