Arthroscopic surgery revolutionized the treatment ol: knee disorders. This technical advancement was enhanced by the development of the 2.1 Holmium:YAG (Ho:YAG) laser, which became available in the late 1980s. This device enabled the performance of a variety of thermally assisted procedures, including meniscectomy plica resection, lateral retinacular release, and chondroplasty. Attempts were also made to perform proximal patellofemoral thermal realignment for patellar subluxation. The Ho:YAG laser was used to ablate tissue in arthrofibrosis and in post-anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction cyclops lesions. Electrothermal monopolar radiofrequency energy performs the same procedures with greater temperature control and cost-effectiveness. The disadvantages of this device were primarily cost and control of the energy delivered.
