Low-level laser therapy improves early healing of medial collateral ligament injuries in rats

Objective: This study sought to investigate whether or not low-level laser therapy (LLLT) with a helium-neon laser increased biomechanical parameters of transected medial collateral ligament (MCL) in rats. Background Data: It has been reported that LLLT can enhance tendon healing. Methods: Thirty rats received surgical transection to their right MCL, and five were assigned as the control group. After surgery, the rats were divided into three groups: group 1 (n=10) received LLLT with 0.01 J/cm(2) energy density per day, group 2 (n=10) received LLLT with 1.2 J/cm(2) energy density per day, and group 3 (sham=exposed group; n=10) received daily placebo laser with shut-down laser equipment, while the control group received neither surgery nor LLLT. Biomechanical tests were performed at 12 and 21 days after surgery. The data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance. Results: The ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of group 2 on day 12 was significantly higher than that of groups 1 and 3. Furthermore, the UTS and energy absorption of the control (uninjured) group were significantly higher than those of the other groups. Conclucions: LLLT with a helium-neon laser is effective for the early improvement of the ultimate tensile strength of medial collateral ligament injuries.