Holmium laser use in debridement of stable labral lesions: two-year experience in initial 50 patients

The purpose of this study is to determine the laser related complication rate for shoulder arthroscopy in the initial clinical experience of 50 patients, and to identify potential advantages of laser use in shoulder arthroscopy. Fifty patients spanning ages 25 to 87 were treated. Surgical debridement was selective and conservative creating a smooth post resection rim. In those that included rotator cuff tears, in addition to arthroscopic debridement, a mini arthrotomy and open acromioplasty were performed. Changes in arthroscopic technique due to laser use included no arthroscopic pump use and use of the shaver only when the fiber could not be easily seen with severe synovitis. We found that the hyper-vascular synovium did not need to be resected last, it could be resected at any point during the procedure. Four hundred and 600 micron fiberoptics were used as well as 20 watts average power. Technical advantage of the laser was felt to be the size of the instrument probe and the availability of excellent hemostasis. Complications include one case of arthroscope damage and one case with a broken fiber tip which was removed with a grasper. Long term follow up of these patients is now underway.