Safe parameters for laser chondroplasty of the knee

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: 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. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS 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 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.