Peri-Radicular Fibrosis After Lumbar Surgery: Is There Any Help?

Study Design: This study was based on Clinical Trial medical records from the Valencia University General Hospital (Hospital General Universitario de Valencia), Spain. The study population consisted of patients who underwent spinal surgery and who had documented follow-up visits for at least 2 years afterwards. Objective: The primary objective of this study was to evaluate re-operation rates in spinal surgery patients treated with SuproFilm Layer Matrix as compared to similar patients given standard treatment (without SLM). Background: Dural adhesions resulting from peridural fibrosis can cause persistent pain and may lead to re-operation. There is a need for treatments that prevent dural adhesions and minimize the impact of peridural fibrosis on the post-operative outcome of spine surgery. Methods: Retrospective data was used from 200 patients. The study cohort (S matrix group) consisted of consecutive patients (100 patients) who were treated with SLM. Patients in the standard procedure group (100 patients in all) were operated on prior to the adoption of the use of SLM by the author's clinical team. Patients underwent spinal surgery and completed follow-up evaluations for no less than 3 years post-op. Following surgery, pain was assessed at time points of: 0 to 6 months, 6 to 12 months, and 12 to 36 months). An MRI scan was performed on patients experiencing excessive pain to assess the extent of peridural scarring and adhesions. Results: Re-operation Rate. The difference in re-operation rate between the collagen matrix group and the standard procedure group is statistically significant (p<0.01). Conclusions: Findings in this study: Reduced pain and a lower incidence of adhesions are consistent with the SL Matrix acting as an effective adhesion barrier. It is likely that the SL Matrix may be used in other regions of the spine to prevent peridural fibrosis and associated sequelae.