Peridural Fibrosis is the term referring to adhesions or scar tissue. The occurrence of tissue scarring in patients is common after lumbar spine surgery. Scar tissue can cause compression of the nerve root resulting in symptoms of pain, numbness, and muscle weakness. Scarring also can be one of the factors that contribute to recurrent radicular pain after lumbar discectomy, as well as an underlying cause in failed back surgery syndrome. Removal of the scar tissue to decompress the nerve root often produces further scarring. No medical or surgical treatment yet exists for peridural fibrosis. However, the FDA has approved an anti-adhesion barrier for use in the body.
