Posterior transpedicular debridement, decompression and instrumentation for thoracic tuberculosis in patients over the age of 60

Abstract

Our aim was to evaluate the feasibility and efficiency of the application of posterior transpedicular debridement with instrumentation and fusion to the treatment of over 60-year-old patients with thoracic tuberculosis. Fifteen over 60-year-old patients with thoracic tuberculosis treated by posterior transpedicular debridement with instrumentation and fusion between August 2006 and November 2010, seven males and eight females in this study were reviewed, retrospectively. Their age ranged from 61 to 75 (mean age 63.4). The follow-up period ranged from 12 to 51 months (mean 30 months). The patients were evaluated based on vertebral body loss, kyphotic angle, fusion status of affected segment, visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, and Frankel's classification. A solid fusion was achieved in all 15 cases. No postoperative complications, chronic infection, sinus formation or significant loss of deformity correction was noted in these patients. Moreover, VAS score was reduced and Frankel's grade was recovered in all patients and there was no recurrence of the tuberculous infection. Posterior transpedicular debridement with instrumentation and fusion is a feasible and effective procedure in the treatment for thoracic tuberculosis in patients over the age of 60.