The carbon dioxide laser. A potential tool for orthopedic surgery
Smith, C.F.; Johansen, W.E.; Vangsness, C.T.; Sutter, L.V.; Marshall, G.J.
Clinical orthopaedics and related research 1989(242): 43-50
1989
ISSN/ISBN: 0009-921X PMID: 2650949 Document Number: 331739
Arthroscopic laser surgery was performed in 325 knee joints between January 1985 and August 1988 with no significant lasting complications. The CO2 laser is especially effective in the "tight knee" for high surface area, low volume lesions, and chondromalacia. Arthroscopic laser surgery is also being performed as part of a multicenter study. Although the results are satisfactory to date, the use of the laser on the spine and joints other than the knee and for PMMA removal is experimental.