Outcome of Dual Stability and Decompression through Single Posterior Approach in Tuberculosis of Dorsolumbar Spine

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the outcome of dual stability and decompression through a single posterior approach in patients with tuberculosis of the dorsolumbar spine in terms of Oswestry Disability Index and Frankel Neurological Grading. Material and Methods: It was a prospective cohort study involving 34 patients with tuberculosis of the dorsolumbar spine who underwent dual stability and decompression through a single posterior approach. Follow-ups were done at 2nd, 6th, 12th and 16th weeks. The outcome was assessed using the Oswestry Disability Index and Frankel Neurological Grading. Results: In 34 patients, the mean age was 36.59±13.51 years. There were 20 (58.8%) males and 14 (41.2%) females. There were 9 (26.5%) patients who had dorsal spine tuberculosis, while lumbar spine TB and dorso-lumbar spine TB were diagnosed in 13 (38.2%) and 12 (35.3%) patients respectively. The mean surgery time was 4.20±0.66 hours. According to the Oswestry Disability Index, before surgery, 2 (5.9%) patients had minimal disability while after 16 weeks of follow-ups, these numbers increased to 23 (67.7%) showing statistically significant improvements. According to Frankel Neurological Grading, before surgery, 3 (8.8%) patients had normal function while after 20 weeks of follow-up following surgery, 20 (58.9%) had normal functions. Conclusion: Dual stability and decompression through a single posterior approach were found to have good functional and fusion outcomes according to the Oswestry Disability Index and Frankel Neurological grading.