Use of Polylactide Resorbable Film as an Adhesion Barrier

Authors

William C. Welch, University of PittsburghFollow
Kevin A. Thomas, University of Pittsburgh
G. Bryan Cornwall, Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering
Peter C. Gerszten, University of Pittsburgh
Jeffrey M. Toth, Marquette UniversityFollow
Edwin M. Nemoto, University of Pittsburgh
Simon Turner, Colorado State University - Fort CollinsFollow

Document Type

Article

Language

eng

Publication Date

11-2002

Publisher

American Association of Neurological Surgeons

Source Publication

Journal of Neurosurgery: Spine

Source ISSN

1547-5654

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.

Comments

Journal of Neurosurgery: Spine, Vol. 97, No. 4 (November 2002): 413-422. DOI.

Recommended Citation

Welch, William C.; Thomas, Kevin A.; Cornwall, G. Bryan; Gerszten, Peter C.; Toth, Jeffrey M.; Nemoto, Edwin M.; and Turner, Simon, "Use of Polylactide Resorbable Film as an Adhesion Barrier" (2002). Biomedical Engineering Faculty Research and Publications. 507.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/bioengin_fac/507