Use of ADCON-L to prevent peridural fibrosis following re-operation for recurrent lumbar radiculopathy: clinical results.

Abstract

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. 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. 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. 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.