Laser therapy improves healing of bone defects submitted to autologous bone graft.

Objective: The aim of the present study was to assess histologically the effect of low-level laser thrapy (LLLT) (lambda 830 nm) on the healing of bone defects associated with autologous bone graft.

Background Data: LLLT has been used on the modulation of bone healing because of the photo-physical and photochemical properties of some wavelengths. The use of correct and appropriate parameters has been shown to be effective in the promotion of a positive biomodulative effect on the healing bone.

Methods: Sixty male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: G1 (control), G2 (LLLT on the surgical bed), G3 (LLLT on the graft), and G4 (LLLT on both the graft and the surgical bed). The dose per session was 10 J/cm(2), and it was applied to the surgical bed (G2/G4) and on the bone graft (G3/G4). LLLT was carried out every other day for 15 days (lambda 830 nm, phi = 0.5 cm(2), 50 Mw, 10 J/cm(2)). The dose was fractioned in four points. The animals were sacrificed 15, 21, and 30 days after surgery; specimens were taken and routinely processed (wax, cut, and stain with H&E and Sirius red stains). Light microscopic analysis was performed by a pathologist.

Results: In the groups in which the LLLT was used trans-operatively on the surgical bed (G2/G4), bone remodeling was both quantitatively and qualitatively more evident when compared to subjects of groups G1 and G3.

Conclusion: The present study indicates that the use of LLLT trans-operatively resulted in a positive biomodulative effect on the healing of bone defects associated with autologous bone grafts.