Adhesions and scar tissue are both fibrous bands caused by injury, but differ in cause, location, and symptoms. Adhesions form internally and can cause limited movement and chronic pain, while scar tissue typically doesn’t cause symptoms unless it leads to a blockage. Surgery can treat harmful adhesions and scar tissue.
Adhesions and scar tissue are different but similar. Scar tissue is the result of damaged tissue that has healed from an injury. There are different types of scars that vary depending on many factors, including a person’s age and the location of the wound. Adhesions are a type of scar tissue that forms in the tissue that joins parts of the body. These scars most commonly occur from tissue injury.
Despite the fact that adhesions and scar tissue are caused by injury and are both made up of fibrous bands, they are both different and distinguishable from each other. The first major difference is the cause. Adhesions can be the result of inflammation, traumatic damage, and infection. They can also form following certain surgical procedures, such as pelvic or abdominal surgery, involving major organs or areas of the body. Scar tissue, on the other hand, forms as a result of an injury and can occur from cuts, burns, and surgical incisions. Wounds are puncture wounds that are under the first layer of skin or internal tissue.
Another difference between scar tissue and adhesions is where they occur. Scar tissue can form on organs and skin when a tissue puncture has occurred. As the wound heals, the tissue fibers grow differently and in one direction rather than randomly. The adhesions form only internally and are made up of collagenous bonds that look like ropes that span areas exposed to trauma. These cords have the ability to not only cover traumatized areas but also connect to surrounding tissue.
Secondary symptoms caused by adhesions and scar tissue create a third distinguishing factor between the two. The adhesions shrink as they form and pull on the tissues to which they are attached. This can cause limited movement and chronic pain. Scar tissue typically doesn’t cause bothersome symptoms unless it leads to a blockage or other similar problem. If a blockage occurs, serious damage can occur. For example, a blockage in the heart can lead to a reduction in blood flow and oxygen circulating in the blood.
The adhesions and scar tissue that lead to harmful health problems can be treated with surgery. Although the damaging sections can be removed, there is a risk that further adhesions or scar tissue will form in response. Most surgeries to repair the damage caused by these abnormal fiber bonds are successful in removing the problematic scar tissue or adhesion with minimal extra trauma.
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