Compressive epidural autologous free fat graft in a patient with failed back syndrome: case report

A patient who had undergone surgery twice previously for lumbar spine disease presented with paraparesis and urinary sphincter problems. Imaging showed a large epidural compressive lesion with the consistency of fat at the L3/4 level. At operation a large mass of compressing epidural fat was removed. This was an epidural autologous free fat graft placed in a previous operation when stabilizing the lumbar spine. The merits of a free fat graft in relation to the prevention of epidural scar and the failed back syndrome are discussed, and the significance of this complication was considered.