title: Early response of canine temporomandibular joint tissues to arthroscopically guided neodymium: YAG laser wounds.
abstract: A neodymium yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser inserted through an operating arthroscope was used to introduce applied energy to synovial tissues, articular discs, and bone in the temporomandibular joint of mongrel dogs. Arthroscopic inspection of the wounds was performed at 1 and 2 weeks postoperatively. The animals were killed and the temporomandibular joints were examined grossly and histologically to determine the extent of injury and healing. The results show that laser wounds of bone and articular disc undergo no repair, whereas laser wounds of synovium show rapid repair. Laser damage to condylar marrow under an articular disc wound was unexpectedly found.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Case Western Reserve College of Medicine, MetroHealth Medical Center, Cleveland, OH 44109-1998.
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Bradrick
authors.forename: M L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Eckhauser
authors.forename: A T
authors.initials: AT
authors.lastname: Indresano
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001182:Arthroscopy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D001853:Bone Marrow / Q000293:injuries; D002056:Burns; D002358:Cartilage, Articular / Q000293:injuries; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D007834:Lasers / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008335:Mandibular Condyle / Q000293:injuries; D013194:Staining and Labeling; D013583:Synovial Membrane / Q000293:injuries; D013704:Temporomandibular Joint / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D014945:Wound Healing