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Holmium:YAG laser arthroscopy of the temporomandibular joint
B H Hendler1, J Gateno, P Mooar
1University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine and affiliated hospitals, Medical College of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19129.
Abstract:
A new pulsed midinfrared laser has become available for use in arthroscopic surgery of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). This article reviews holmium:YAG (yttrium-aluminum-garnet) laser physics, its tissue effects, and reports initial experience with its use in TMJ arthroscopy. Because the Ho:YAG laser can precisely and rapidly resect cartilaginous tissues with only moderate necrosis, can function in a saline environment, and can be transmitted through conventional optical fibers, it has the potential of becoming a useful and adaptable system for TMJ arthroscopic surgery.