Er:YAG Laser Ablation of Bovine Bone Tissue: Morphological Evaluation and Ablation Rate.

Purpose: To compare the depth and volume of cavities produced by ablation on bovine bone tissue using different Er:YAG laser parameters. Materials and Methods: A bovine femur was cut in blocks and wet polished with 600-grit sandpaper. Different energies per pulse (100 mJ, 300 mJ, and 500 mJ) and different frequencies (5 Hz, 10 Hz, and 15 Hz) were used to create microcavities within a 10-s irradiation time. The samples were analyzed under an optical microscope (40X) and SEM for a better definition of the cavities and their features. The ablated volume was calculated and statistically analyzed with Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests. Results: The ablation rate in many groups showed significant differences up to 5%, where the energy per pulse was the only significant variable. As energy per pulse increased, so did the ablation rate. Morphological analysis showed differences in the homogeneity of the microcavities. Conclusions: Er:YAG laser is able to promote cold interaction, suggesting a precise tool for bone ablation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]