Laser-induced regeneration of cartilage

Abstract

Abstract. Laser radiation provides a means to control the fields of temperature and thermo mechanical stress, mass transfer, and modification of fine structure of the cartilage matrix. The aim of this outlook paper is to review physical and biological aspects of laser-induced regeneration of cartilage and to discuss the possibilities and prospects of its clinical applications. The problems and the pathways of tissue regeneration, the types and features of cartilage will be introduced first. Then we will review various actual and prospective approaches for cartilage repair; consider possible mechanisms of laser-induced regeneration. Finally, we present the results in laser regeneration of joints and spine disks cartilages and discuss some future applications of lasers in regenerative medicine. C 2011 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE).

Elasticity measurement of nasal cartilage as a function of temperature using optical coherence elastography

“…Nevertheless, the changes in elasticity from 40°C to 70°C were similar by both methods. In previous studies, the transition in the curve of the stress relaxation vs temperature occurred at a temperature of 70°C, which is higher than our results [3,17]. In this study, the tissue denaturation caused by long-term heating in the water-bath used during the OCE and mechanical testing experiments may be the reason for the stress relaxation process occurring at a lower temperature.…”

Lasers in orthopaedic surgery

“…They play an important role in the cell-matrix interactions and operate on the growth of cartilage tissue. 7 Hyaline cartilage has a zonal structure: 12 the superfi cial layer contains fi broblastlike chondrocytes of the I type. It is characterized by a decreased level of the aggrecans and by high content of small leucine-rich PGs (decorin and biglycan).…”

“…Wide ranges of wavelengths, precise localization of the irradiated area, and temporal and spatial modulation of laser radiation are the main advantages of the laser technologies which may result in specifi c tissue response. 7 A literature review of lasers and articular cartilage performed in 1993 concluded that, since a variety of laser systems were applied in orthopaedics, many studies lacked scientifi c validity. Future investigations with sound biologic foundations have been recommended.…”

“…3 Various approaches to restore cartilage structures and to stimulate intrinsic capabilities of the tissue for regeneration have been studied. [4][5][6][7] The effi cacy of any technique aimed at controlling the regeneration process depends on the solution of three tasks: (a) the ability to reproduce the natural cell differentiation sequence, from progenitor cells to mature chondrocytes; (b) stimulation of the specifi c subpopulations of the resident cells to proliferation and/or new matrix production; and (c) achievement of adequate spatial organization of the new growing tissue.…”

The Effect of Laser Irradiation on Reparative Osteogenesis

“…At the same time the mechanism of laser therapeutic impact is largely unclear, and the doses are selected empirically. There is little experimental work in this area and it is mainly performed by X-ray and clinical methods [20,21]. There is no information on the efficacy of low-intensity infrared laser radiation in treatment of fractures under conditions of transosseous osteosynthesis and its influence on morphological features of bone regeneration.…”