A literature review published in the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons suggested that the risk associated with laser spine surgery outweighed the benefits.
Research suggested that lasers added potential thermal-based complications and could burn a patient's nerves, tissue and/or cartilage. Researchers found no evidence that laser spine surgery was superior to traditional surgery.
Lead researcher Kris Radcliff, MD, of Philadelphia-based Rothman Orthopaedic Institute, said he led the literature review to provide informed answers on the risks of laser spine surgery. The literature review concluded that current evidence "suggests against the use of lasers in spine surgery."
A link to the literature review is here.