Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on the incorporation of deep-frozen block allografts in a rabbit model. BACKGROUND DATA: Studies have shown that LLLT has beneficial effects on tissue repair and new bone formation. METHODS: Bone tissue was harvested from two rabbits, processed by deep-freezing and grafted into the calvaria of 12 animals, which were then randomly allocated into two groups: experimental (L) and control (C). Rabbits in group L were irradiated with an aluminum gallium arsenide diode laser (AlGaAs; wavelength 830 nm, 4 J/cm(2)), applied to four sites on the calvaria, for a total dose of 16 J/cm(2) per session. The total treatment dose after eight sessions was 128 J/cm(2). Animals were euthanized at 35 (n = 6) or 70 days (n = 6) postoperatively. RESULTS: Deep-freeze-processed block allografts followed by LLLT showed incorporation at the graft-host interface, moderate bone remodeling, partial filling of osteocyte lacunae, less inflammatory infiltrate in the early postoperative period, and higher collagen deposition than the control group. CONCLUSION: Optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy showed that allograft bone processed by deep-freezing plus LLLT is suitable as an alternative for the treatment of bone defects. Use of the deep-freezing method for processing of bone grafts preserves the structural and osteoconductive characteristics of bone tissue.