Bone regeneration therapy using low level laser treatment in a rabbit model: pilot study

This study investigated the effect of using diode laser on bone wound healing in rabbit calvarial models. A sample of 14 rabbits was used in this study. Bony osteotomies, 5 mm in diameter with half-thickness in the calvaria of each rabbit, were created. The study cohort was divided equally into two groups based on the postoperative observation period of either 2 or 4 weeks. The control group (Group A) received no laser treatment. Groups B, C, and D were laser treated for periods of 15, 30, and 45 s, respectively. Defect sites were assessed using microcomputed tomography. Histology was used to evaluate tissue response. Descriptive and non-parametric statistical analyses were conducted to compare bone structural outcomes across control and laser-treated groups at 2- and 4-week time points. Group differences were assessed using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests. Bone structural outcomes were comparable across groups at both 2 and 4 weeks, with no significant differences except for higher histomorphometry values in the laser-treated group at 4 weeks (p = 0.030). Over time, significant improvements in bone fraction and histomorphometry, and a reduction in connectivity density, were observed, particularly in laser-treated groups. Histological analysis revealed enhanced bone formation and more mature bone architecture in laser-treated groups compared to controls. The micro-CT and histological data suggest the potential for enhanced bone formation across all treatment groups. Additionally, no signs of adverse effects were observed in any of the laser-treated groups, supporting the safety of the applied protocols.