One-stage posterior and anterior surgical management of thoracolumbar spinal tuberculosis

Abstract

Objective To explore the therapeutic efficacy of posterior internal fixation and anterior debride-ment with autogenous bone grafts at one stage on tuberculosis of thoracic or lumbar spine . Methods 16 cases of thoracic or lumbar spinal tuberculosis patients were treated with combined anterior (radical debridement and bone autograft) and posterior (instrumentation) surgeries in one stage between September 2003 and September 2007. The degree of the kyphosis (Cobb angle) was measured and the interbody fusion was observed preoperatively and postop-eratively. The ASIA grading system was used to assess the neurological status. Results All patients were followed up for 10 months to 36 months,on average of 12 months. All patients showed sucessful interbedy fusion,but Cobb angle was not progressed. No recurrence or wound infection was found. 6 cases all got nerve function recovery. Conclusion Thoracic or lumbar tuberculosis treated with this surgical technique can achieve stable internal fixation and a high satisfactory rate with restoring the spinal stability, arresting the disease early, providing early fusion, correcting the ky-pbosis particularly. Key words: Thoracic or lumbar spinal tuberculosis; Autogenous bone; Internal fixation