Comparison of the ablation of polymethylmethacrylate by two fiber-optic-compatible infrared lasers

Jonathan P. Garino M.D.; David Nazarian; Mark I. Froimson M.D.; Ronald P. Grelsamer M.D.; Michael R. Treat M.D.

doi:10.1117/12.43987

1 May 1991 Comparison of the ablation of polymethylmethacrylate by two fiber-optic-compatible infrared lasers

Jonathan P. Garino M.D., David Nazarian, Mark I. Froimson M.D., Ronald P. Grelsamer M.D., Michael R. Treat M.D.

Proceedings Volume 1424, Lasers in Orthopedic, Dental, and Veterinary Medicine; (1991) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.43987
Event: Optics, Electro-Optics, and Laser Applications in Science and Engineering, 1991, Los Angeles, CA, United States

Abstract

Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) is a compound frequently employed in orthopedic surgery for the fixation of prosthetics and other materials to bone. It is employed for this purpose due to its excellent strength and durability. However, these same properties also make the removal of PMMA very difficult. With this problem in mind, the ablation of PMMA by the Nd:YAG and the THC:YAG lasers was compared. The tip of the optical fiber was placed at a distance to achieve optimal spot size on to pre-weighed blocks of PMMA (Simplex - Howmedica, Rutherford, N.J.). Ablation was carried out with both the THC:YAG and Nd:YAG lasers over a range of powers (5 - 20 watts) and time periods. The amount of PMMA ablated was then determined and compared. Throughout the energy range examined, the THC:YAG laser was more effective than its Neodynium counterpart at the power levels tested. Present clinical application of these lasers in PMMA ablation is limited by technical obstacles.

Citation Download Citation

Jonathan P. Garino M.D., David Nazarian, Mark I. Froimson M.D., Ronald P. Grelsamer M.D., and Michael R. Treat M.D. "Comparison of the ablation of polymethylmethacrylate by two fiber-optic-compatible infrared lasers", Proc. SPIE 1424, Lasers in Orthopedic, Dental, and Veterinary Medicine, (1 May 1991); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.43987

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available