The American Journal of Veterinary Research published an article titled, “Ex vivo penetration of low-level laser light through equine skin and flexor tendons.” The article is available online for view or purchase.
OBJECTIVE
To measure penetration efficiencies of low-level laser light energy through equine skin and to determine the fraction of laser energy absorbed by equine digital flexor tendons (superficial [SDFT] and deep [DDFT]).
SAMPLE
Samples of skin, SDFTs, and DDFTs from 1 metacarpal area of each of 19 equine cadavers.
PROCEDURES
A therapeutic laser with wavelength capabilities of 800 and 970 nm was used. The percentage of energy penetration for each wavelength was determined through skin before and after clipping and then shaving of hair, through shaved skin over SDFTs, and through shaved skin, SDFTs, and DDFTs (positioned in anatomically correct orientation). Influence of hair color; skin preparation, color, and thickness; and wavelength on energy penetration were assessed.
RESULTS
For haired skin, energy penetration was greatest for light-colored hair and least for dark-colored hair. Clipping or shaving of skin improved energy penetration. Light-colored skin allowed greatest energy penetration, followed by medium-colored skin and dark-colored skin. Greatest penetration of light-colored skin occurred with the 800-nm wavelength, whereas greatest penetration of medium- and dark-colored skin occurred with the 970-nm wavelength. As skin thickness increased, energy penetration of samples decreased. Only 1% to 20% and 0.1% to 4% of energy were absorbed by SDFTs and DDFTs, respectively, depending on skin color, skin thickness, and applied wavelength.
CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results indicated that most laser energy directed through equine skin was absorbed or scattered by the skin. To achieve delivery of energy doses known to positively affect cells in vitro to equine SDFTs and DDFTs, skin preparation, color, and thickness and applied wavelength must be considered.
Authors
Katja F. Duesterdieck-Zellmer, Dr MeD Vet, PhD, Maureen K. Larson, MS, and Andrea Sundholm-Tepper, DVM, of the Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University; Thomas K. Plant, PhD, School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, College of Engineering, Oregon State University; Mark E. Payton, PhD, Department of Statistics, College of Arts and Sciences, Oklahoma State University.
