First-time operation for lumbar disc herniation with or without free fat transplantation - Prospective triple-blind randomized study with reference to clinical factors and enhanced computed tomographic scan 1 year after operation

Study Design. This prospective triple-blind randomized study of 99 patients concerned the use of free fat transplantation for operation for lumbar disc herniation. Objective. To subsequently examine the patients after median 376 days who were subjected to enhanced computed tomographic scan. Summary of Background Data. In studies on experiments with animals, the degree of intraspinal scar tissue has shown to be reduced in connection with free fat transplantation. Scar tissue is seen frequently after operation for lumbar disc herniation, but it is uncertain whether the scar tissue can lead to symptoms. Methods. The clinical outcome was scored using the Low Back Pain Rating Scale. Enhanced computed tomographic scan was assessed regarding the degree of scar tissue and survival of fat transplant. Results. There was no difference in the clinical outcome between the two groups. Significantly fewer patients had dural scarring in the group who had a fat transplantation, but there was no difference regarding the degree of radicular scarring. The transplant was shown on computed tomographic scan at the follow-up examination in 66% of the patients who had a fat transplantation. Conclusions. Free fat transplantation can reduce the degree of dural scar tissue after operation for lumbar disc herniation but does not result in a clinically better outcome.