Control of postlaminectomy scar formation: an experimental and clinical study

Scar formation after laminectomy was evaluated in dogs treated with hemostatic agents, antiinflammatory drugs, or mechanical barriers. Microfibrillar collagen was found to be superior to gelatin foam. The antiinflammatory drugs delayed healing and frequently resulted in abscess formation, and eventually scar filled the defect. The fat grafts formed a viable mechanical barrier. Gelatin foam sponge was compared with microfibrillar collagen for hemostasis with free fat grafts in a clinical series of 50 patients. The latter technique was clearly superior.