Holmium: YAG laser arthroscopy of the temporomandibular joint

Barry H. Hendler, Jaime Gateno, Pekka Mooar, Henry H. Sherk

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

24 Scopus citations

Abstract

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.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)931-934
Number of pages4
JournalJournal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Volume50
Issue number9
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 1992

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery
  • Oral Surgery
  • Otorhinolaryngology

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