BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Surgical reconstruction of bony defects in the maxillofacial region involves fixation of bony fragments with mini and micro plates. Bone stabilization during hole drilling is often challenging due to the need to apply pressure when using a conventional mechanical Hall drill. In addition, fragmentation of the fragile bones may occur and complicate the reconstruction. The pulsed Er:YAG laser offers an attractive alternative drilling modality because it does not require physical contact with the bone in order to drill holes, cuts bone with minimal thermal damage, and allows precise control of bone cutting. The objective of this study was to investigate the pulsed Er:YAG laser as an alternative to the mechanical bur by comparing bone healing using both modalities. STUDY DESIGN/ MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bone healing in an inferior border defect of the rat mandible was examined using either an Er:YAG laser or a mechanical bur for drilling. The healing of osteotomies in facial bones and of screw holes for plate stabilization of free bone fragments was studied. RESULTS: All defects healed by 4 weeks postoperatively. Histologic evaluation demonstrated no difference in the amount of newly formed woven bone at the osteotomy site or screw holes made by either the laser or the drill. The extent of thermal damage at the osteotomy sites was comparable in laser and mechanically cut bone fragments. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of this study we suggest that the Er: YAG laser can be used clinically in thin, fragile bones in the maxillofacial region.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Surgical reconstruction of bony defects in the maxillofacial region involves fixation of bony fragments with mini and micro plates. Bone stabilization during hole drilling is often challenging due to the need to apply pressure when using a conventional mechanical Hall drill. In addition, fragmentation of the fragile bones may occur and complicate the reconstruction. The pulsed Er:YAG laser offers an attractive alternative drilling modality because it does not require physical contact with the bone in order to drill holes, cuts bone with minimal thermal damage, and allows precise control of bone cutting. The objective of this study was to investigate the pulsed Er:YAG laser as an alternative to the mechanical bur by comparing bone healing using both modalities. STUDY DESIGN/ MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bone healing in an inferior border defect of the rat mandible was examined using either an Er:YAG laser or a mechanical bur for drilling. The healing of osteotomies in facial bones and of screw holes for plate stabilization of free bone fragments was studied. RESULTS: All defects healed by 4 weeks postoperatively. Histologic evaluation demonstrated no difference in the amount of newly formed woven bone at the osteotomy site or screw holes made by either the laser or the drill. The extent of thermal damage at the osteotomy sites was comparable in laser and mechanically cut bone fragments. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of this study we suggest that the Er: YAG laser can be used clinically in thin, fragile bones in the maxillofacial region.
Authors: Stephan Rupprecht; Katja Tangermann-Gerk; Joerg Wiltfang; Friedrich Wilhelm Neukam; Andreas Schlegel Journal: Lasers Med Sci Date: 2004 Impact factor: 3.161
Authors: Felipe Fornias Sperandio; Daiane T Meneguzzo; Leila S Ferreira; Patrícia A da Ana; Luciane H Azevedo; Suzana C O M de Sousa Journal: Lasers Med Sci Date: 2010-11-03 Impact factor: 3.161
Authors: George E Romanos; Norbert Gutknecht; Sandra Dieter; Frank Schwarz; Roberto Crespi; Anton Sculean Journal: Lasers Med Sci Date: 2009-05-09 Impact factor: 3.161
Authors: Jens D Langhoff; Jan M Kuemmerle; Joerg Mayer; Urs Weber; Milica Berra; Jessika M Mueller; Sabine B Kaestner; Katalin Zlinszky; Joerg A Auer; Brigitte von Rechenberg Journal: Open Orthop J Date: 2009-06-11