Short-term clinical results of knee arthroscopy utilizing the 1.44-um Nd:YAG laser

Kirk E. Maes; Robert S. Cummings M.D.; Pekka A. Mooar; Henry H. Sherk M.D.

doi:10.1117/12.184895

7 September 1994 Short-term clinical results of knee arthroscopy utilizing the 1.44-um Nd:YAG laser

Kirk E. Maes, Robert S. Cummings M.D., Pekka A. Mooar, Henry H. Sherk M.D.

Proceedings Volume 2128, Laser Surgery: Advanced Characterization, Therapeutics, and Systems IV; (1994) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.184895
Event: OE/LASE '94, 1994, Los Angeles, CA, United States

Abstract

Two orthopedic surgeons performed 27 knee arthroscopies on 26 patients using the 1.44 micrometers Nd:YAG. Mean patient age was 52.6 years. Six patients had their entire procedure done using the Nd:YAG alone and 20 had their procedures done using both the laser and a conventional arthroscopic side-shaver. Three patients had an additional knee procedure done immediately following their arthroscopy. The mean operative procedure time was 47.25 minutes (SD equals 14.75). The mean energy setting used was 2.2 Joules/Pulse (SD equals 0.89), mean frequency 16.6 Hz (SD equals 6.4), and mean total energy delivered was 9418.7 Joules (SD equals 6032.5). There were 15 patients with a minimum follow-up of at least 4 weeks (mean 8.26 weeks). The final results showed 35% returned to normal baseline, 43% improved from pre-op condition, and 21% were the same as pre-op. None of the patients were worse. The 1.44 micrometers Nd:YAG has a water absorption coefficient nearly identical to the 2.1 micrometers Ho:YAG, which is currently a popular arthroscopic tool. We conclude that the 1.44 micrometers Nd:YAG is an effective alternative for arthroscopic procedures of the knee.

Citation Download Citation

Kirk E. Maes, Robert S. Cummings M.D., Pekka A. Mooar, and Henry H. Sherk M.D. "Short-term clinical results of knee arthroscopy utilizing the 1.44-um Nd:YAG laser", Proc. SPIE 2128, Laser Surgery: Advanced Characterization, Therapeutics, and Systems IV, (7 September 1994); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.184895

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