Carbon dioxide laser studies of defects in articular cartilage

With this further refinement, the author and colleagues hope to establish a reliable method of calculating the depth of penetration necessary to induce a deficit that will cause chondrogenesis in a predictable, reliable fashion. It is hoped that this will allow for consistent results so this technique may be used for the treatment of cartilage degeneration and certain arthritides. In addition, it is hoped that the fibrous cartilage regenerated from the experiments with animals will produce viable information that will lead to extensive human applications in the near future. The author also hopes that many joint destructive procedures such as arthroplasties and some implant procedures may be eliminated, and that this investigation will lead to advances that will eliminate much of the morbidity of arthritis.