VetRehab Laser tx for Extracap Repairs contra-indicated?

[Guest guest]

Hello All

I have a 2yr old Labrador who recently had a CCL repair (Extracap). The medial meniscus was removed also at sx. Mild OA of the joint reported. Prior to seeing the dog the owner was not restricting his activity. He is 4 wks post-op. When presented he was moderately lame on the leg and painful with stifle ROM. No sig. drawer or tibial thrust. Mild joint effusion.

I was considering doing cold Laser to reduce pain and inflammation along with UWTM and PROM, heat/ice, stretching.

Would cold laser of the stifle be contra-indicated in that it would inhibit scar tissue formation?

I know with Extra-cap repair we rely upon scar tissue to form to provide stability for the knee.

Would appreciate any comments

Ann-Margret DVM

Pewaukee Veterinary Service

[Guest guest]

Hi Ann-Margret,

The effects of laser are totally dose dependent. Simply

put, if your goal is for pain relief and to reduce swelling, you will chose a

low dose, and if your goal is for scar tissue reduction, the you would use a

higher dose.

As well, I tend to direct the laser along the incision and then

intra-articularly, as well as to the medial joint line (presumable where the

meniscus was removed in order to stimulate some degree of cartilage

regeneration.

While scar tissue stability is a factor, it might not be a band

of lateral scar tissue that is enabling stability of the joint, but rather a

degree of stifle fibrosis which helps to stabilize, and the suture materials

just supports the joint as this otherwise natural process is taking place.

Just some thoughts anyways!

Laurie Edge-

From: VetRehab

[mailto:VetRehab ] On Behalf Of Ann-Margret ,DVM

Sent: Monday, September 15, 2008 9:14 AM

To: VetRehab

Subject: VetRehab Laser tx for Extracap Repairs contra-indicated?

Hello All

I have a 2yr old Labrador who recently had a

CCL repair (Extracap). The medial meniscus was removed also at

sx. Mild OA of the joint reported. Prior to seeing the dog the

owner was not restricting his activity. He is 4 wks post-op. When

presented he was moderately lame on the leg and painful with stifle

ROM. No sig. drawer or tibial thrust. Mild joint effusion.

I was considering doing cold Laser to reduce pain and

inflammation along with UWTM and PROM, heat/ice, stretching.

Would cold laser of the stifle be contra-indicated in that

it would inhibit scar tissue formation?

I know with Extra-cap repair we rely upon scar tissue to

form to provide stability for the knee.

Would appreciate any comments

Ann-Margret DVM

Pewaukee Veterinary Service

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