Debridement and stabilization with transpedicular screws in thoraco-lumbar spinal tuberculosis

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The treatment for spinal tuberculosis (TB) remains a difficult and challenging decision-making process, given the lack of evidence and guidelines on the optimal treatment and management strategies. Conservative treatment options for spinal TB include methods such as immobilization using body casts or plaster beds, as well as a healthy diet. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The records of 26 patients who underwent posterior stabilization with pedicle screws and decompression with laminectomy for thoraco-lumbar TB with associated neurological deficit between January 2015 and December 2019 from hospitals were reviewed. The patients were followed up for a minimum of 24 months. In this study, we did not include patients with HIV co-infection. Results: In the present study, total 26 patients with thoraco-lumbar (T12-L1) TB. The study group consisted of 11 male and 15 female patients. The preoperative and postoperative mean kyphotic Cobb's angle were 23.1± 2.9° in males and 26.4 ± 2.4° in females and 8.9± 1.3° in males and 8.1± 1.4° females in the present study, respectively. At 1-year follow-up, the mean kyphotic angle was 11.2± 2.2° with a mean loss of kyphotic correction by 4.9± 1.1° in male. In our study, the C-reactive protein level decreased when compared preoperatively and postoperatively, 14.26 ± 1.8 in preoperatively, and 8.26 ± 1.2 postoperatively. Similarly, ESR value also decreased from 38.2 ± 2.3 mm to 21.6 ± 2.8. In addition, visual analog scale also decreased from 7.42 ± 1.1 to 2.9 ± 0.9. Conclusions: The procedure of one stage posterior debridement, decompression, and transpedicular screw fixation is effective and safe for treating thoracic and lumbar spinal TB.