[Experimental study on pedicle fat grafts after laminectomy: comparison of pedicle fat and free fat grafts]

Scar formation adherent to the dura and nerve roots causes recurrent symptoms following laminectomy. Free and pedicle fat grafts have been performed in low-back surgery as a preventive measure. An experimental study in rats was designed to compare pedicle fat grafts and free fat grafts after wide laminectomy, for efficacy in preventing scar formation and for effects on the spinal cord. The following results were obtained. 1) Dense scar formation over the dura and degeneration of the cord were seen at control laminectomy sites. 2) Free fat grafts, examined at 2 and 4 weeks postoperatively, showed death of portions of the graft, whereas pedicle fat grafts always demonstrated the presence of living fat. 3) At 4 months postoperatively, pedicle fat grafts were statistically superior to free fat grafts, which showed scarring over the dura and degeneration of the cord. In conclusion, pedicle fat grafts were more effective in preventing dural scar formation and protecting the cord than free fat grafts.