One-stage lumbopelvic fixation in the treatment of lumbosacral junction tuberculosis

Abstract

To investigate the clinical efficacy and feasibility of surgical treatment for lumbosacral junction tuberculosis by one-stage posterior debridement, interbody fusion, lumbopelvic fixation, and postural drainage. A total of 15 cases with lumbosacral junction tuberculosis treated by one-stage posterior debridement, interbody fusion, lumbopelvic fixation, and postural drainage in our center from January 2005 to October 2011 were studied. Lumbosacral angle, visual analog scale (VAS), and neurological performance were assessed before and after surgery. All patients were followed for 28-56 months post-operation (average, 40.7 ± 7.7 months). No severe complications occurred. Bone fusion occurred in all patients at a mean of 8.4 months (range 6-12 months) after surgery. The mean lumbosacral angle was significantly increased from the mean preoperative angle (20.9° ± 1.8°) both post-operatively (26.5° ± 1.6°) and at final follow-up (25.3° ± 1.4°) (both P < 0.05). All patients had significant post-operative improvement in neurological performance and VAS scores. Our results suggest that one-stage posterior debridement, interbody fusion, lumbopelvic fixation, and postural drainage can be an effective and feasible treatment option for lumbosacral junction tuberculosis, offering fewer complications and a better quality of life.