The fate of the free fat graft. A prospective clinical study using CT scanning.

In a prospective clinical study, the fate of free fat grafts used in lumbar decompressive surgery to prevent epidural fibrosis was evaluated. The size of the fat graft was measured at operation and 2 years later by CT scanning. Of 26 consecutive patients, data were available from 21. In 15 patients the fat graft was unchanged, in three patients the fat graft contained fibrous bands, and in another three patients the fat graft was completely replaced by scar tissue. Blood loss at operation, the extent of surgical dissection, and thickness of the fat graft are important prognostic factors relating to the survival of the free fat graft.