The effect of carbon dioxide laser irradiation on cranial bone healing. An experimental study.

An experimental study on the effects of carbon dioxide laser irradiation osteotomy of the calvarium of 4-week old rabbits was compared with tht of an osteotomy performed with a high speed drill. Histological studies of calvarium cross sections were performed at 2, 4 and 6 weeks following the osteotomies. As early as 2 weeks following high speed drill osteotomy connective tissue bridged the bone edges. By 4 weeks this bridge was thickened and endowed with numerous vessels. At 6 weeks numerous osteoblasts lined the bone edge and connective tissue bridge. Following laser osteotomy the carbonized edges interrupted the connective tissue from bridging the bone edges at 2, 4 and 6 weeks. By 6 weeks following the laser osteotomy connective tissue had grown past the carbonized residue and the healing process proceeded with osteoblast proliferation from points beyond the carbonized residue. The significance of these findings in reference to the reossification process following osteotomies for craniosynostosis and craniofacial surgery, is discussed.