Laser-assisted arthroscopic meniscal surgery of the knee

Abstract The advent of arthroscopy greatly facilitated meniscectomy, leading to decreased morbidity and improved clinical outcome. Advances in instrumentation led to the refinement of this precise, cost-effective surgical procedure and broadened the indications for arthroscopic meniscectomy. Concurrently, basic science research led to the evolution and refinement of both photothermal and photochemically active lasers. Early clinical experience identified and acknowledged problems with nascent laser technology and tissue interaction. Ease of use in a saline environment and the excellent absorption of joint target tissues has led to the emergence of the holmium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Ho:YAG) wavelength as the arthroscopic laser medium of choice in knee surgery. As costs continue to decrease and technical refinements add further flexibility of use, laser-assisted arthroscopic surgery of the knee will become more widespread, not only for meniscectomy, but also for other soft tissue work.