Cost savings associated with the use of the Ho:YAG laser in knee arthroscopy:a comparative retrospective review of 140 conventional and laser-assisted procedures

Michael D. Johnson

doi:10.1117/12.184875

7 September 1994 Cost savings associated with the use of the Ho:YAG laser in knee arthroscopy: a comparative retrospective review of 140 conventional and laser-assisted procedures

Michael D. Johnson

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 2128, Laser Surgery: Advanced Characterization, Therapeutics, and Systems IV; (1994) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.184875
Event: OE/LASE '94, 1994, Los Angeles, CA, United States

Abstract

The impact of using the 2.1 micrometers Ho:YAG laser in orthopaedic surgery has not been fully investigated, especially as to what affect it may have on an employee's return to work and normal activities. In this retrospective review of 140 patients who underwent arthroscopic surgery at our facility, there were found to be significant decreases in time on crutches and time off from work when laser-assisted knee arthroscopies were compared to procedures where conventional mechanical or motorized instruments were used. The patients who had laser-assisted knee arthroscopies discontinued use of crutches 5 days earlier than the conventional group and returned to work 10 days earlier than their counterparts who had undergone conventional arthroscopic surgery. The ability to return to work more quickly translates into significant cost savings for employers who otherwise would have to replace the worker with temporary help, pay overtime, or face lost productivity due to an employee's absence following arthroscopic knee surgery.

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Michael D. Johnson "Cost savings associated with the use of the Ho:YAG laser in knee arthroscopy: a comparative retrospective review of 140 conventional and laser-assisted procedures", Proc. SPIE 2128, Laser Surgery: Advanced Characterization, Therapeutics, and Systems IV, (7 September 1994); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.184875

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KEYWORDS

Surgery

Laser therapeutics

Laser vision correction

Laser tissue interaction

Carbon dioxide lasers

Nd:YAG lasers

Fiber optics

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