Use of polylactide resorbable film as an adhesion barrier.

ABSTRACT

OBJECT The present investigation evaluates two thicknesses of a resorbable polylactic acid (PLA) barrier film as an adhesion barrier to posterior spinal scar formation. METHODS: A readily contourable, thin film was placed directly over the dura. The thick film was placed above the lamina defect to act as a physical barrier inhibiting the prolapse of soft tissue into the epidural space. Through a combination of gross dissection with and without scar scores, quantitative analysis of collagen adjacent to the scar site, and histological evaluation, the resorbable adhesion barrier membranes were found to be effective treatment for reduction of posterior adhesions. CONCLUSIONS: The gross dissection demonstrated that both thicknesses of resorbable PLA barrier films created a controlled dissection plane, facilitated access to the epidural space, and provided a reduction in the tissue adherent to the dura.