Parameters for safe application of the 2.1 um holmium: Yag laser for chondroplasty of the medial femoral condyle

Abstract

Purpose: 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. Material 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 an 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.