Adhesion Barrier

Adhesion barriers are biomedical materials used to prevent unwanted adhesions (adhesions) between tissues and organs following surgical procedures. These barriers reduce the risk of complications by preventing tissues from sticking together during the post-surgical healing process.

Purpose of Using Adhesion Barriers in Spine Surgery

• Prevention of Adhesions: After spine surgery, adhesions that can form in the surgical area may press on nerve roots or other structures, leading to pain, restricted movement, and other neurological problems. Adhesion barriers are used to prevent the formation of such adhesions.
• Support for the Healing Process: Adhesion barriers help the surgical area heal more smoothly by preventing tissues from sticking together. This can speed up the healing process and reduce post-operative complications.

Benefits of Using Adhesion Barriers in Spine Surgery

1. Reduction of Pain and Complications: Post-surgical adhesions can cause severe pain and functional impairments. Adhesion barriers reduce such complications, allowing for a more comfortable recovery process.
2. Decrease in Risk of Reoperation: Adhesions sometimes require additional surgical interventions. The use of adhesion barriers lowers the risk of reoperation, helping patients achieve better long-term outcomes.
3. Prevention of Neurological Complications: In spine surgery, adhesions may put pressure on nerve roots, leading to neurological complications. Adhesion barriers help prevent these complications by keeping nerve roots free.
4. Prevention of Movement Restrictions: Adhesions can restrict normal tissue movement, leading to mobility limitations. Adhesion barriers help maintain the patient’s range of motion by preventing such adhesions.
5. Protection of the Surgical Area: Adhesion barriers can also reduce the risk of infection in the surgical area, contributing to a healthier healing process.

Application of Adhesion Barriers

Adhesion barriers are typically applied directly to the surgical site at the end of the surgical procedure. These barriers can come in the form of thin film layers, gels, or sprays. After application, the barriers are gradually absorbed by the body and support tissue healing.