Nd: YAG Contact Laser Arthroscopy Preliminary Report

Arthroscopic surgery was performed using 15 to 40 watts Nd: YAG contact laser in 61 patients on 57 knee and 4 shoulder joints. Lateral retinacular release was done in 6 patients, partial synovectomy in 7, chondroplasty in 26, debridement in 24 patients and menisectomy in 21 cases. Bleeding during these procedures and swelling after the intervention were minimal and the wound healing was normal with no serious complications. The recovery period was short and was followed by satisfactory restoration of function.