A pulsed ultraviolet excimer laser has been investigated as a cutting-ablating tool for bone surgery. The special feature of the KrF excimer laser is that it cuts bone tissue without thermal damage. In our earlier report, we determined the best frequency for healing of femur wound. In the present study, femurs were examined over a long period. The laser was used at pulse energy: 50mJ, beam spot: 0.015cm2, pulse width: 15ns, peak power: 3.3MW, energy density: 33.3J/cm2, incision speed: 4mm/min, irradiation time: 30s, and frequency: 20Hz. The femurs were examined histopathologically just after the operation, and at 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 48 weeks after the operation.
In the case of femurs examined at the postoperative 48th week, there was remaining the rmal damage around the cortical bone, and the new bone did not connect with the cortical bone.
