Effect of KTP laser ablation of endochondral bone on bone healing.

The advantages of using a laser to cut a hole in the ossicular chain include increased precision, decreased likelihood of disarticulation, and elimination of noise-induced threshold shift associated with conventional drills. This study was designed to determine optimal energy settings and cooling technique to minimize tissue injury. Laser ablated holes were cut in rabbit femurs with different endostat fibers at power settings of 1.6 to 5.0 watts. Comparable burr holes were cut by a high-speed drill and the animals were sacrificed at different time intervals. Specimens were evaluated microscopically for tissue injury by the amount of cell necrosis of the surrounding osteocytes, bone marrow changes, and denaturation of bone matrix. Changes in healing were assessed by the production and ossification of the granulation tissue. Laser ablated holes created with 1.6 to 2.0 watts at 2 to 7 days demonstrated thermal damage comparable to conventionally drilled holes. At 14 to 28 days these holes demonstrated advanced healing and integrated lamellar bone. In contrast, higher power (> 3.5 watts) at 2 to 7 days demonstrated Significantly more osteocyte loss, marked bone marrow fibrosis, and bone matrix denaturation. At 14 to 28 days these holes showed evidence of delayed healing and osseous plugs not integrated with the surrounding bone.