Is there a niche for arthroscopic laser surgery of the temporomandibular joint?

Michael Nuebler-Moritz; Peter Hering; Uli Bachmaier; Robert Schiessl; Josef Rueschoff; Joerg Meister

doi:10.1117/12.238780

23 April 1996 Is there a niche for arthroscopic laser surgery of the temporomandibular joint?

Michael Nuebler-Moritz, Peter Hering, Uli Bachmaier, Robert Schiessl, Josef Rueschoff, Joerg Meister

Proceedings Volume 2672, Lasers in Dentistry II; (1996) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.238780
Event: Photonics West '96, 1996, San Jose, CA, United States

Abstract

The purpose of this in vitro study was to investigate and compare effects of currently available laser systems at different wavelengths (XeCl excimer laser, Holmium:YAG laser, Erbium:YAG laser) on porcine articulating facets, capsule and meniscus of the temporomandibular joint via photomacroscopy, light and scanning electron microscopy. From a critical review of the relevant literature and the preliminary observations of this investigation, it appears that the Neodymium:YAG laser is inappropriate for TMJ arthroscopic surgery with regard to the huge thermal injury caused to the remaining tissue. The Holmium:YAG laser suffers from remarkable photomechanical and photothermal side effects, whereas the Erbium:YAG laser ablates temporomandibular joint tissue efficiently with minimal adjacent damage--similar to the XeCl excimer laser, without entailing the risk of potential mutagenity. To sum up, it can be concluded that there is a clinical need for laser- assisted arthroscopic surgery of the craniomandibular articulation. Nevertheless, at present none of the available laser systems meet the medical demands completely. Currently, the Erbium:YAG laser seems to be the most suitable for TMJ arthroscopic surgery.

Citation Download Citation

Michael Nuebler-Moritz, Peter Hering, Uli Bachmaier, Robert Schiessl, Josef Rueschoff, and Joerg Meister "Is there a niche for arthroscopic laser surgery of the temporomandibular joint?", Proc. SPIE 2672, Lasers in Dentistry II, (23 April 1996); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.238780

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