The laminectomy membrane. Studies in its evolution, characteristics, effects and prophylaxis in dogs.

Re-exploration of the cauda equina after previous laminectomy for removal of a disc often reveals the formation of well organised fibrous tissue surrounding the dura and, at times, binding down the nerve roots to the posterior surface of the disc and the adjacent vertebral body. The only previous study of the source of this scar formation was carried out by Key and Ford (1948), who suggested that the perineural fibrosis found after disc excision in dogs was derived from the surgically damaged annulus fibrosus. Because perineural fibrosis after operation may pose an important clinical problem, we