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The semiconductor or laser diode (GaAs, 904 nm) is the most appropriate choice in pain-reduction therapy. Summary Background Data: Low power density laser acts on the Prostaglandins synthesis, increasing the change of PGG2 and PGH2 Periossidos into PGI2 (also called Prostaciclyn or Endoprostol). The last one is the main product of the Arachidonic acid into the endothelial cells and into the smooth muscular cells of the vessel walls having a vasodilating and anti-inflammatory action. Methods: Treatment was carried out on 406 patients (227 women and 179 men) in the period between 20.05.1987 and 31.12.1998. The patients, whose age ranged from 25 to 70, with a mean age of 45 years, were suffering from rheumatic, degenerative and traumatic pathologies as well as cutaneous ulcers. The majority of the patients had been seen by orthopaedists and rheumatologists and had undergone x-ray examination. All patients had received drugbased treatment and/or physiotherapy, with poor results; five patients had also been irradiated with He-Ne and CO2 lasers. Two thirds were experiencing acute symptomatic pain, while the others presented a chronic pathology with recurrent crises. We used a pulsed diode laser, GaAs 904 nm wavelength. Frequency of treatment: 1 application per day for 5 consecutive days, followed by a 2-day interval. Average number ofapplications: 12. Irradiated areas: trigger points; access points to the joint; striated muscles adjacent to relevant nerve-roots. Results: Very good results were achieved especially with cases of symptomatic osteoarthritis of the cervical vertebrae, with sport-related injuries, with epicondylitis, and with cutaneous ulcers, also, last but not of least importance, with cases of osteoarthritis of the coxa. Conclusions: Treatment with 904 nm diode laser has substantially reduced the symptoms as well as improved the quality oflife of the patient, thus postponing the need for surgery.
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