Modified Posterior Vertebral Column Resection for the Treatment of Vertebral Infections in Elderly Patients

Abstract

Introduction Modified posterior vertebral column resection (PVCR) technique described in this study enables resection of infected material, decompression of the spinal canal, restoration of the anterior column, and posterior stabilization at the same time. Multilevel resections (two or more) can be performed with low-complication rates. Patients and Methods A total of 24 elderly patients (16 females and 8 males average age of 73.8 years [range, 68–83 years]) with pulmonary comorbidity were included. Etiologic diagnoses were spinal tuberculosis in 10 patients and nonspecific spondylodiscitis in 14 patients. Surgical technique included placement of fenestrated titanium pedicle screws, followed by hemilaminectomy, unilateral pediculectomy, decompression of the spinal canal by subtotal vertebrectomy, and anterior column support by expandable cage. One level above and one level below prophylactic vertebroplasty were performed. Results There were 6 single level, 17 two level, and 1 four level resections. The mean operation time was 2.5 hours and the average blood loss was 670 mL. Average follow-up was 47 months (range, 14–80 months). Average resected level was 1.9 (range, 1–4). The mean preoperative local kyphosis angle 32.7∞ was decreased by 67.8%. Overall, 14 patients with partial neurologic deficit (10 patients ASIA grade D and 4 patients ASIA grade C) had significant improvement. The major complications were post-op deep infection in three patients (12.5%) and death because of the cardiac failure in one (4%) patient. The minor complication rate was 29.1% with three hematomas and four dural tears. None of the remaining patients required revision surgery for recurrence of infection or implant failure or pseudoarthrosis. Conclusion Modified PVCR seems to be good alternative to anterior or combined A + P approaches in treatment of vertebral infections in elderly patients with pulmonary comorbidity, as technique enables multilevel resections (two or more) with low-recurrence and low-complication rates.