title: CO2 laser surgery in osteomyelitis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To prove that the thermal energy of CO2 lasers, when applied on the fistula, pyogenic sac, and septic bone in cases of osteomyelitis, creates an aseptic area, diminishes relapses, and promotes healing in those patients treated.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  CO2 laser surgery, whether used in a focused or unfocused manner, has been incorporated into surgical procedures because of its incisive, coagulating, and antiseptic properties. These forms and characteristics are especially useful in the treatment of chronic osteomyelitis.
  
  
  METHODS
  The authors recorded their experiences with 80 patients (10-75 years) with different types of chronic osteomyelitis. Classical surgical procedures were performed incorporating the CO2 laser beam.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the 80 patients, 45 healed with a single application combined with sequestrectomy implant removal, etc. Twenty-two patients needed up to three sessions to heal. Twelve patients did not heal, 1 asked for an amputation, and 3 were unavailable for follow-up procedures. We did not evaluate antibiotics prescribed, or cultures taken, due to the multiplicity of drugs used by chronic osteomyelitis patients with disease progression, and the various permutations and combinations of germs involved.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although CO2 laser beam surgery cannot replace classic surgical procedures in osteomyelitis, it is an important adjunctive tool that helps enhance surgical effects and assists in the healing process.
authors.affiliation: Dept. of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Centro de Investigaciones Médico-Quirúrgicas, La Habana, Cuba.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ceballos
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Balmaseda
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Puente
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pedroso
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D010019:Osteomyelitis / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D002245:Carbon Dioxide