Thermal Effects of Infrared Laser Systems

Abstract

Laser use in arthroscopy is becoming increasingly common, and the effectiveness and efficiency of numerous systems have been well documented (Sherk et al., 1992). Application of these lasers to intraarticular tissue causes tissue cutting and ablation but can also cause surrounding tissue damage or necrosis. The amount of damage sustained by the tissue is important because the tissue may be permanently damaged and unable to regenerate. This depth of tissue damage depends on the type and specific wavelength of each laser system utilized. We have evaluated various lasers for their effects on meniscal tissue by morphometric and histologic analysis. These lasers have been or are currently being used for arthroscopic knee surgery, and they vary widely in respect to their wavelengths.