Abstract
Introduction: Dural scarring may develop after laminectomy, resulting in persistent back and leg pain. Laminectomy for decompression exposes the dura mater, stimulating the growth of scar tissue on the dural surface. Such scarring can impair nerve conduction and induce chronic pain, localized according to the affected spinal levels. Case Presentation: A single case of back pain and pain radiating to the lower limbs is reported 12 months following laminectomy at L4-L5. Magnetic resonance images revealed new soft tissue in the posterior region pressing on the dura. Discussion: Re-operation was performed for decompression. Intraoperative examination revealed scar tissue around the dural surface at the previous laminectomy site. Decompression and scarectomy were conducted, but the outcome was unsatisfactory because it proved impossible to remove all the scar tissue from the dura without increasing the risk of nerve root damage. As a result, low back pain was mitigated, but the leg pain persisted. Conclusion: Laminectomy can result in dural scar formation and chronic pain that is intractable to reparative surgery. Thus, it is critical to institute perioperative procedures that reduce the risk of subsequent dural scar formation.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Encyclopedia of Surgery |
Subtitle of host publication | Volume 1: (22 Volume Set) |
Publisher | Nova Science Publishers, Inc. |
Pages | 5571-5576 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Volume | 1 |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9781536183887 |
ISBN (Print) | 9781536183290 |
Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 2020 |
Keywords
- Dura scar
- fibrosis
- laminectomy
- leg pain