BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

This study investigated the healing of femtosecond laser created wounds in an animal model.

STUDY DESIGN:

We have assessed the healing of critical size wounds in mice calvaria using three different wounding techniques: carbide bur, diamond end-cutting bur, and ultrafast femtosecond laser, and in the presence or absence of bone morphogenetic protein-7 (BMP). Wound closure was examined using microcomputerized tomography at 3, 6, 9, and 12 weeks.

RESULTS:

Results have shown partial closure at up to 12 weeks with all techniques that did not involve the use of BMP, with the least closure noted in the laser groups as suggested by two-dimensional radiographic analysis. Bone volume measurements appeared slightly lower for the laser than for the mechanical groups, however statistically significant differences were seen only at week 6. No significant differences in closure were noted for the different methods in the BMP treated groups.

CONCLUSIONS:

Femtosecond laser cutting demonstrated an unsurpassed precision when compared to mechanical instruments. The addition of BMP led to very rapid healing with complete closure seen as early as 3 weeks and overcomes any potential healing delays that may arise from laser tissue cutting.

(c) 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.