Efficacy and effectiveness of Holmium:YAG laser in orthopaedic surgery
Larizgoitia I
Record ID 31999009908
Catalan, English, Spanish
Authors' objectives:
To present a summary of the current knowledge on the efficacy and effectiveness of this laser in orthopaedics, in order to supply those clinicians and health care managers interested in orthopaedic surgery with evidence-based information.
Authors' recommendations:
Despite the recent introduction of Ho:YAG laser in some surgical settings, the scientific evidence on its efficacy and effectiveness in orthopaedic surgery is very scarce and limited. Most available evidence comes from clinical series subjected to methodological limitations that reduce their general value for hypothesis generation. Only the utility of Ho:YAG laser as an alternative tool in knee arthroscopy for the correction of meniscal breakage and chondral defects could be supported to some degree, as shown in two small-sized clinical trials. In general, more rigorous information is needed to establish the efficacy and efficacy level of this laser in the studied indications.
Given the little evidence, and its low quality, regarding the surgical indications of Ho:YAG in orthopaedics, the authors recommended that its use took place only under rigorous research protocols, so that knowledge regarding the efficacy of this technology could be further enhanced. It should be not forgotten that these types of technologies are also subjected to possible risks, both for patients and surgeons. A cautious use is recommended in those indications where lacking evidence supported by controlled trials.
It is neither advisable to purchase new equipment, nor to pay for Ho:YAG laser surgical services, until its efficiency is supported in a more conclusive fashion.
Authors' methods:
Systematic review
Details
Project Status:
Completed
Year Published:
1999
English language abstract:
An English language summary is available
Publication Type:
Not Assigned
Country:
Spain
MeSH Terms
- Laser Therapy
- Orthopedics
Contact
Organisation Name:
Agencia de Qualitat i Avaluacio Sanitries de Catalunya
Contact Address:
Antoni Parada, CAHTA, Roc Boronat, 81-95 (2nd floor), 08005 Barcelona, Spain, Tel. +34 935 513 928, Fax: +34 935 517 510
Contact Name:
direccio@aatrm.catsalut.net / aparada@aatrm.catsalut.net
Contact Email:
direccio@aatrm.catsalut.net / aparada@aatrm.catsalut.net
Copyright:
Catalan Agency for Health Technology Assessment and Research
This is a bibliographic record of a published health technology assessment from a member of INAHTA or other HTA producer. No evaluation of the quality of this assessment has been made for the HTA database.