Ab. Imhoff et T. Ledermann, ARTHROSCOPIC SUBACROMIAL DECOMPRESSION WITH AND WITHOUT THE HOLMIUM-YAG-LASER - A PROSPECTIVE COMPARATIVE-STUDY, Arthroscopy, 11(5), 1995, pp. 549-556
The purpose of this study was to critically evaluate the results of la
ser-assisted arthroscopic subacromial decompression (ASD) and compare
them with the results of a conventional arthroscopic procedure. In a p
rospective study, 52 patients with stage II and III (partial tear) imp
ingement syndrome undergoing ASD were divided into two consecutive gro
ups. The first 18 patients underwent conventional arthroscopic surgery
using shaver and electrocautery (group S). The following 34 patients
underwent ASD with the Holmium:YAG-laser (22 watt) and without electro
cautery (group L). Subjective, objective, and functional results were
assessed using the constant score preoperatively and postoperatively a
t specific intervals up to 1 year. The greatest improvement in the las
er group was seen in the areas of pain with activity, pain at night, a
ctivity and movement at 1 week and at 6 weeks. The patients in group L
also showed significantly better values for abduction power (P < .05)
. There were no complications in either group. Radiographic evaluation
with the outlet view, preoperatively and postoperatively, showed an a
dequate bone resection in all cases. The postoperative Constant score
for group L was significantly better. The average score increased from
54.7 to 79.8 in group L and from 50.3 to 68.7 in group S. Because of
the low level of postoperative pain, the absence of adhesions and the
almost complete lack of swelling, the patients in group L were able to
regain full range of shoulder motion sooner than those in group S.