Document Detail


Conventional instrument vs. laser-assisted arthroscopic meniscectomy.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  10602136     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Lasers have been advocated for use in arthroscopy; however, results do not show significantly different outcomes from conventional instrument arthroscopy. This study assesses outcomes and cost to patients treated with conventional arthroscopic instrumentation vs. holmium laser. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-seven men and 26 women, average age 41 years (range, 15-76 years), were divided into two groups: patients who underwent conventional arthroscopic partial meniscectomies (43 patients) vs. those who underwent the procedure with holmium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser (50 patients). Hospital and clinic records were reviewed for demographic data, medical and operative histories, operative data, and follow-up examinations. Tourniquet time, range of motion, effusion, pain, and total cost were compared. RESULTS: No significant differences existed in range of motion and effusions between the two groups. The mean cost of conventional arthroscopic partial meniscectomy was significantly lower, at $1,102 (range, $538-1,586) vs. laser arthroscopic partial meniscectomy, at $1,536 (range, $851-2,894) (p < 0.001). Each patient of the laser group was billed an additional $420 to offset the rental of laser equipment (value, $150,000). All other costs in the laser and conventional groups were similar. CONCLUSION: We recommend conventional arthroscopic instrumentation for routine partial meniscectomy.
Authors:
D E Yakin; V P Rogers
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Publication Detail:
Type:  Comparative Study; Journal Article    
Journal Detail:
Title:  Lasers in surgery and medicine     Volume:  25     ISSN:  0196-8092     ISO Abbreviation:  Lasers Surg Med     Publication Date:  1999  
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2000-02-10     Completed Date:  2000-02-10     Revised Date:  2007-11-15    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  8007168     Medline TA:  Lasers Surg Med     Country:  UNITED STATES    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  435-7     Citation Subset:  IM    
Copyright Information:
Copyright 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Affiliation:
West Tennessee Orthopedic and Sports Medicine (DC), Jackson, Tennessee 38301, USA.
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MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Arthroscopy / economics,  methods*
Female
Humans
Laser Therapy* / economics
Male
Menisci, Tibial / physiology,  surgery*
Middle Aged
Range of Motion, Articular
Statistics, Nonparametric
Treatment Outcome

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine


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