Infrared Laser Light Further Improves Bone Healing When Associated with Bone Morphogenic Proteins: An <i>in Vivo</i> Study in a Rodent Model

<jats:p> <jats:italic toggle="yes">Objective:</jats:italic> This study assessed histologically the effect of laser photobiomodulation (LPBM) on the repair of surgical defects created in the femurs of Wistar rats treated or not treated with bone morphogenic proteins (BMPs) and organic bovine bone graft. <jats:italic toggle="yes">Background Data:</jats:italic> This paper is part of an ongoing series of works in which biomaterials are used in association with LPBM. Several previous reports by our group have shown that the use of laser photobiomodulation improves the treatment of bone defects. <jats:italic toggle="yes">Materials and Methods:</jats:italic> Forty-eight adult male Wistar rats were divided into four randomized groups: group I (control, n = 12); group II (LPBM, n = 12); group III (BMPs + organic bovine bone graft, n = 12); and group IV (BMPs + organic bovine bone graft + LPBM, n = 12). The irradiated groups received seven irradiations every 48 h, beginning immediately after the surgical procedure. The laser therapy (λ = 830 nm, 40 mW CW, φ = ˜0.6 mm) consisted of 16 J/cm <jats:sup>2</jats:sup> per session divided equally over four points (4 J/cm <jats:sup>2</jats:sup> each) around the defect. The subjects were sacrificed after 15, 21, and 30 d, and the specimens were routinely embedded in wax, stained with hematoxylin and eosin and sirius red, and analyzed under light microscopy. <jats:italic toggle="yes">Results:</jats:italic> The results showed histological evidence of increased deposition of collagen fibers (at 15 and 21 d), as well as an increased amount of well-organized bone trabeculae at the end of the experimental period (30 d) in the irradiated animals versus the non-irradiated controls. <jats:italic toggle="yes">Conclusion:</jats:italic> The use of LPBM with BMPs and organic bovine bone grafts increases the positive biomodulating effects of laser light. </jats:p>