Bone growth alterations resulting from application of CO2 laser beam to the epiphyseal growth plates. An experimental study in rabbits.

The CO2 laser beam was used to create defects 3 mm in depth in the distal growth plate of one femur in a group of 59 rabbits. In most of the 32 rabbits in which the defect was created on the lateral aspect of the epiphyseal plate the procedure resulted in the subsequent development of valgus deformity and shortening of the femur. In most of the 27 rabbits in which defects were produced both medially and laterally to the epiphyseal plate there was a subsequent marked shortening of the bones. Histological studies revealed that the laser-induced defects of the growth cartilage led to epiphysiodesis and premature disappearance of the epiphyseal growth plates.