Safe parameters for laser chondroplasty of the knee.

BACKGROUND AND

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to summarize our use of the Holmium laser as a tool in performing chondroplasties of the knee and to determine whether any untoward affects developed at the site of laser application.

STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A retrospective review of 504 laser chondroplasties of the medial femoral condyle was done. Laser parameters and the average number of joules to perform the chondroplasties were recorded. The average follow-up was 11 months.

RESULTS

Preoperative MRI interpretation indicated that 8% of the patients had osteonecrosis prior to surgery. 88% of the patients were satisfied with the procedure. All failures were evaluated by X-ray, MRI, bone scan, or biopsy of the medial femoral condyle. No new cases of osteonecrosis were determined.

CONCLUSION

No new cases of osteonecrosis were documented of the medial femoral condyle following laser chondroplasty utilizing the parameters in this study. The Holmium laser remains a safe and efficacious tool in performing chondroplasty.