Abstract
Objective: To present the results of a small retrospective study in patients after they have
undergone lumbar scar resection and ADCON-L application to prevent recurrent formation
of peridural fibrosis.
Patients and Methods: Between May 1996 and December 1999 nineteen patients underwent surgery for peridural
fibrosis. Sixteen patients were eligible for statistical analysis. The mean age was
46.2 years (range 29 to 69 years) and the mean follow-up period was 9.7 months with
a range of 3 to 38 months. In 10 patients scar formation was the main factor for nerve
root compression. Three out of these patients showed concomitant recurrent disc herniation.
Six patients presented with peridural fibrosis but concomitant recurrent disc herniation
as the main factor for clinical deterioration. After scar resection and decompression
of the nerve roots ADCON-L was applied intraoperatively.
Results: Excellent or good results (Prolo score 8 - 10) were achieved in 5 of 16 patients,
fair results (Prolo score 6 - 7) in 5 and poor results (Prolo score 2 - 5) in 6 patients.
Conclusion: ADCON-L may improve the chances of a satisfactory outcome in a small subgroup of
patients following scar resection in the postoperative course of lumbar discectomy.
Further investigations are necessary to identify clinical and radiographic factors
predicting outcome.
Key words
Fibrosis - Lumbar Spine - Discectomy - Failed-Back Syndrome
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G. Kessel,M. D.
Department of Neurosurgery · Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz
Langenbeckstr. 1
55131 Mainz
Germany
Phone: +49-6131-172993
Fax: +49-6131-172274 ·
Email: kessel@nc.klinik.uni-mainz.de
