THE HOLMIUM-YAG LASER IN OFFICE-BASED ARTHROSCOPY OF THE KNEE - COMPARISON WITH STANDARD INTERVENTIONAL INSTRUMENTS IN PATIENTS WITH ARTHRITIS

Objective. To confirm the feasibility of laser assisted technology in an office based rheumatology practice and to compare selected outcome variables with those of conventional arthroscopic cutting tools. Metho ds. A prospective analysis of 70 office based arthroscopies on 70 pati ents with knee arthritis over an 8 month period. All patients met spec ific criteria for office based arthroscopy. Thirty-six patients had in terventions with conventional cutting tools and 34 patients had interv entions with a 30 watt holmium YAG laser. Variables assessed included procedure time, length of recuperative period, and postprocedural pain . Results. Laser assisted arthroscopy was performed in 34 cases withou t side effects or complications. Patients who received laser treatment had a shorter recuperative period, less postprocedural pain, and fewe r hemarthroses than patients treated with conventional methods. Conclu sion. While recognizing the shortcomings and possible complications as sociated with laser surgery we conclude that laser use in an office se tting is not only feasible but may in the future be an excellent metho d for office based arthroscopic treatment of the, arthritic knee.