RESUMO
Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) studies on the musculoskeletal and cartilage tissues of rabbits have reported conflicting results. We aimed to investigate the effects of 630 nm and 860 nm low-level laser on injured rabbit cartilage. After punching 5 mm holes in both ears of ten rabbits, we grouped the rabbits randomly. The punched holes of the laser-treated group were irradiated with 630 nm and 860 nm diode laser on days 3-5 and then every other day until day 20. In both laser and control groups, the hole diameters were measured weekly. Histological evaluation was carried out on day 30. The inter-group difference in hole diameters was not significant. Mann-Whitney U tests showed significant inter-group differences in histological variables related to chondrocyte production and organization, growth rate, granulation tissue and pseudocarcinomatosis. LLLT improved cartilage formation and reduced inflammation and formation of granulation tissue. More accurate results on its healing effects warrant studies with larger sample sizes.