Spinecare Topics
Epidural Fibrosis
- Recurrent Disc Herniation
- Post-operative Bleeding
- Arachnoiditis
- Epidural Abcess/phlegmon
- Pseudomemingocele
Scarring is a part of the normal healing process of the spine after injury or surgery. Excessive or thick scar formation can lead to persistent and/or progressive signs and symptoms. Minor or mild scar tissue formation can occur or exist without any signs or symptoms. The individual’s natural inflammatory response to tissue injury can predispose one to greater scar formation.
The signs and symptoms associated with scar tissue (fibrosis) can become chronic and disabling. There is an approximate 30-35% success rate associated with repeat spine surgery to remove or reduce scar tissue. The potential for recovery after surgery is worse for those who have epidural scar without recurrent or residual disc herniation. The success rate for significant pain reduction with the use of a spinal cord stimulator is about 50-70%.
Treatment options include the use of pain medications, physical therapy, spinal moblization/manipulation, periradicular injection of steroids, periradicular injection of local anesthetics and surgical reduction of scar tissue.
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