Debridement combined with local anti-TB drugs delivery for thoracic and lumbar spine tuberculosis

Abstract

Objective To investigate a therapeutic method which could provide sustained-release delivery and local longlasting anti-TB treatment after debridement of thoracic and lumbar spine tuberculosis.Methods Data of 18 patients (including 2 revised cases),who were diagnosed of thoracic and lumbar tuberculosis and required surgery treatment from October 2008 to January 2011 were retrospectively analyzed.There were 12 males and 6 females,with an average age of 48.7± 13.3 years (range,22 to 67 years).Affected spinal segments in these patients spanned from T8 to S1.fourteen patients were treated with posterior surgical procedure alone while the other 4 were treated with one-stage combined anterior-posterior surgery.Combined with autogenous bone,OSTEOSET RBK drug carrier-type artificial bone mixed with isoniazid and streptomycin was used after debridement.Chlinical parameters including clinical symptoms,laboratory results,and imaging data were evaluated during follow-up.Results Incisions of all patients achieved primary healing.The duration of patient follow-up ranged from 29 to 56 months (average,39.5months).No liver and kidney function abnormalities,ototoxicity,or local nerve irritations were found perioperatively.Improvements in clinical symptoms were observed in all patients.One patient with L2a tuberculosis recurred 18 months after the initial surgery.At 6-month follow-up,intervertebral body fusion was achieved without complications of internal fixation or significant angle loss of kyphosis correction.Conclusion OSTEOSET RBK dmg carrier-type artificial bone mixed with isoniazid,streptomycin for treatment of thoracic and lumbar spine tuberculosis is a safe and effective way to control local infection and recurrence.Combined with autologous bone could contribute to bone fusion. Key words: Thoracic vertebrae; Lumbar vertebrae; Tuberculosis, Spinal; Bone substitutes