Laser biophysics for the orthopaedic surgeon

The purposes of this paper are to review theoretical and practical aspects of laser-tissue interaction and to help the practicing orthopaedic surgeon understand basic laser terminology. Only with a full understanding of the laser's interaction with tissue and the jargon of laser physics can the orthopaedic surgeon fully be aware of the laser's potential as an orthopaedic tool as well as the laser's limitations.