ISSN:
1435-604X
Keywords:
Subtotal meniscectomy
;
CO2 laser
;
Diode laser
;
Healing potential
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
,
Physics
,
Technology
Notes:
Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of low-level laser therapy on the healing potential of the peripheral rim of rabhit meniscus following laser subtotal meniscectomy, and to compare the subtotal meniscectomy as produced by a surgical blade and by a surgical CO2 laser. Twenty-four male New Zealand rabbits were divided into three groups (A, B and C). In each animal, a subtotal meniscectomy of the medial meniscus of the right knee was carried out. In Group A, meniscectomy was performed with a surgical blade, and in Groups B and C, a meniscectomy was performed with a CO2 laser (6 W, 0.1 mm, 0.2 s). The animals of Group C were treated every other day with a GaAIAs diode laser (820 nm, 100 mW, 48 J cm−2) until death. Two rabbits of each group were killed on the 10th, 20th, 30th and 40th post-operative days. The medial meniscus was removed from all cases, fixed in buffered formalin and embedded in paraffin wax. Subsequently, the sections were stained with Haematoxylin and Eosin as well as with Masson's trichrome, and examined microscopically and morphometrically. This study showed that: (1) fibroblasts and collagen fibrils were more abundant and dense in rabbits of Group C than in rabbits of Groups A and B; (2) after the 20th post-operative day, the granulation tissue was more cellular in Group C in comparison with Groups A and B; and (3) the morphometric evaluation showed that the subtotal meniscectomy with CO2 laser in Groups B and C caused less tissue damage in comparison with the conventional surgical technique used in Group A. It was concluded that: (1) less damage was produced by a CO2 laser than by a surgical blade; and (2) the healing potential of rabbit meniscus following laser resection was accelerated with the use of low-level laser therapy post-operatively.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF02133207
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