Photoablation of bone by excimer laser radiation.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the present study was to compare the usefulness of mechanical osteotomy tools and common laser systems with the ultraviolet (UV) laser in the field of the central nervous system and its bony capsule.


METHODS
The cranial bones of 42 living rats were treated with UV laser radiation with wavelengths of 193 nm and 248 nm. The morphology and physical effects were evaluated by means of optical and scanning electron microscopy.


RESULTS
This study shows the special characteristics of excimer versus infrared lasers or mechanical tools, such as high precision, no thermic damage, little depth effect, and no delay of healing processes.


CONCLUSIONS
The excimer laser is an interesting instrument for microsurgery of bones in orthopaedics, neurosurgery, and otolaryngology.
Walter
M L
ML
Department of Trauma and Hand Surgery, Medical Center of the Westfalian Wilhelms University, 48129 Münster, Germany.
Domes
M E
ME
Diller
R A
RA
Sproedt
J
J
Joosten
U H
UH
D000818:Animals; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008297:Male; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D012886:Skull / Q000601:surgery* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D014945:Wound Healing