Abstract: Photodynamic therapy is used in the treatment of orthopaedic infections. Particularly, it is used in the treatment of infections related to orthopaedic conditions and surgery and includes treatment of sites of deterioration or trauma, such as prior to and after prosthetic fixation such as joint replacement or treatment of trauma sites such as pinning of bone fractures. An orthopaedic disinfection apparatus includes a photosensitiser and a light delivery system capable of producing and delivering light at a wavelength which is capable of being absorbed by the photosensitiser. Methods of treatment of orthopaedic infections are also disclosed.

Abstract: Photo-activated disinfection in the oral cavity is performed by a dental apparatus which includes a handpiece having proximal and distal portions, and a handpiece cover. The distal portion of the handpiece includes light emitting elements. The handpiece cover includes a sleeve adapted to provide a cover to the proximal portion of the handpiece and a sheath adapted to provide a cover to the distal portion of the handpiece. Suitably, the sleeve is a disposable component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to photo-activated disinfection. In particular, the present invention relates to photo-activated disinfection in the oral cavity. We describe a dental apparatus comprising a light source producing light at a predetermined wavelength and power, and optical transmission means to train the light from the light source onto at least one external side of a tooth. Preferably, the optical transmission means comprises at least one optical guide. In a preferred embodiment, the optical transmission means comprises a pair of substantially parallel elongate light guides each light guide having a distal end provided with a reflective surface inclined at 45° to the direction of light transmission along the light guides, the reflective surfaces of the light guides being opposed such that light emitted from each light guide is parallel but opposite in direction.