Abstract:

Objective  To explore the prophylactic function of a newly produced, absorbable PLGA membrane in the prevention ofepidural scar adhesions after laminectomy.  Methods  36 adult New Zealand male rabbits which had under gone resection of the L6 vertebral plates were divided them into 3 groups: the defects of vertebral plate were covered with PLGA membrane (group A), gelatin sponge (group B) and saline solution (group C). Morphological changes of the scar were grossly and histologically observed on  week 2, 4 and 8 after the operations, and also the ultra-structures were  observed.  Results  Compared with the blank group, the PLGA membrane obviously reduced epidural adhesions; at an early stage, the gelatin sponge formed a physicobarrier, which lessened the epidural scar formation, as well as the PLGA membrane, but it latter made the adhesions even worse.  Conclusion  The PLGA membrane can lessen epidural scar adhesions without interfering in cutting edge healing.

Key words: Poly lactate geycollic acid membrane; Laminectomy; Epidural adhesions; Prevention