A SPECTROPHOTOMETER ANALYSIS OF LIGHT-ABSORPTION IN THE HUMAN MENISCUS

The spectrophotometer analysis of light absorption curves in human men iscal tissue showed a reproducible series of graphs for varying tissue thickness, age, zone, and sectioning plane. These data show water as the essential reason for light absorption in the infrared portion of t he light spectrum, The excimer laser in the ultraviolet region, and wa velengths around 2000 nm in the infrared region, appeared to provide t he best wavelength match for laser energy transfer and the cutting or ablating of meniscal tissue, Ongoing research into clinical applicatio ns should focus on these wavelengths.