Hendler B H, Gateno J, Mooar P, Sherk H H
University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine and affiliated hospitals, Medical College of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19129.
J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 1992 Sep;50(9):931-4. doi: 10.1016/0278-2391(92)90048-5.
A new pulsed midinfrared laser has become available for use in arthroscopic surgery of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). This article reviews holmium:YAG (yttrium-aluminum-garnet) laser physics, its tissue effects, and reports initial experience with its use in TMJ arthroscopy. Because the Ho:YAG laser can precisely and rapidly resect cartilaginous tissues with only moderate necrosis, can function in a saline environment, and can be transmitted through conventional optical fibers, it has the potential of becoming a useful and adaptable system for TMJ arthroscopic surgery.
