Cases Of Spinal Tuberculosis Research Articles

Higher Sensitivity of Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra Over Tuberculosis Culture for the Diagnosis of Spinal Tuberculosis With Open or Computed Tomography-Guided Biopsies.

Diagnostic specimens for spinal tuberculosis (STB) are mostly collected via open surgery. Percutaneous computed tomography (CT)-guided biopsies are used in times of limited surgical availability. However, poor diagnostic accuracy of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) culture has been reported with this method, due to limited sample volume and the paucibacillary nature of STB. We evaluated Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra on open and CT-guided biopsies as compared with the gold standard Mtb culture and histopathology. We conducted a prospective diagnostic accuracy study of Xpert Ultra, as compared with tuberculosis culture and histopathology, in adults with signs and symptoms of STB at a tertiary academic hospital in South Africa from November 2020 to December 2021. Diagnostic testing was performed on 31 patients with available samples. Xpert Ultra had a sensitivity of 94.7% (95% CI, 75.3%-99.7%) and specificity of 100% (95% CI, 75.7%-100.0%) against a reference standard of Mtb culture and histopathology. Xpert Ultra had high diagnostic accuracy in open and CT-guided biopsy samples with sensitivity and specificity of 100% and 100% (open) and 89% and 100% (CT), respectively. Mtb culture had limited specificity for CT-guided biopsies (43%; 95% CI, 15.8%-74.9%). HIV-1 coinfection did not affect Mtb abundance measures by Xpert Ultra or culture. Xpert Ultra was also superior to culture for STB diagnosis in patients concurrently treated for pulmonary tuberculosis. Xpert Ultra detected more STB cases than culture for CT-guided biopsy samples. There was also no difference in sensitivity for open biopsies, irrespective of HIV-1 status, making it an important tool for rapid diagnosis, especially during times or in locations where open surgery is not possible or concurrent pulmonary tuberculosis treatment is initiated.

Tubercolosi vertebrale atipica: un caso clinico e revisione della letteratura

Background - Rates of Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis (TB) are higher in paediatric patients, especially in those from endemic areas. Bone TB is mostly located in the spine and in children may cause rapid bone destruction with severe deformity and neurological deficits. Case report - The paper reports the case of a 14-year-old male patient from Pakistan presenting with neurological symptoms and neuroradiological features suspicious for malignant tumour. After surgical removal of the mass, PCR test showed spinal TB. Tuberculin skin test (TST) and Interferon-Gamma Release Assays (IGRA) resulted negative. Discussion - False negative IGRA and TST test results can occur due to several factors, including immunodeficiency disorders. Some cases of spinal TB do not have typical radiological features, causing diagnostic delays or mistakes. Non-typical spinal TB features include: (1) involvement of the posterior elements of the spinal column; (2) skip lesions; (3) non-osseous TB involving spinal cord, cauda equina, and/or meninges. Conclusion - The differential diagnosis between spinal TB and malignancy might be challenging. Consequently, considering TB in children with neurological symptoms and/or vertebral neoformation, especially in patients coming from endemic areas, is recommended. TB diagnosis should not be excluded in case of non-typical radiological features, negative TST and IGRA or history of anti-TB vaccination. This approach should facilitate a timely diagnosis for appropriate treatment, avoiding neurological sequalae and delayed deformities.

Reconstruction of complicated spinal tuberculosis with long-segment fibula transplantation: a case report

BackgroundTreating complex cases of spinal tuberculosis (STB) that involve multiple vertebral bodies and cause destruction of the spinal structure, kyphotic deformity, and acute nerve injury can be challenging. This report describes the course of treatment and 5-year follow-up of a complex case of multisegmental STB.Case presentationThis report describes a case of tuberculosis affecting the vertebrae extending from thoracic 12 to lumbar 5 in a 60-year-old woman who suffered sudden paralysis in both lower extremities. The patient underwent emergency posterior paraspinal abscess clearance, laminectomy with spinal decompression. Partial correction of the kyphotic deformity via long-segment fixation from the T9 vertebral body to the ilium in a one-stage posterior procedure. The patient’s neurological status was diagnosed as grade E on the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) scale after the one-stage operation. Following standardized 4-combination anti-tuberculosis drug therapy for three months in postoperative patients, the patient underwent two-stage transabdominal anterior abscess removal, partial debridement of the lesion and bilateral fibula graft support. One year after the two-stage operation, the patient’s visual analog scale (VAS) score of back pain was 1 point, and the patient’s erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels returned to normal. Five years after the second-stage operation, the Oswestry disability index (ODI) of patient quality of life was 14 points. There was a 4-degree change in the Cobb angle over five years. During the five-year follow-up period, the grafted fibula did not experience any subsidence.ConclusionFor patients with spinal tuberculosis and acute paralysis, it is essential to relieve spinal cord compression as soon as possible to recover spinal cord function. For lesions that cannot be debrided entirely, although limited debridement combined with anti-tuberculosis drug therapy has the risk of sinus formation and tuberculosis recurrence, it is much safer than the risk of thorough debridement surgery. In this case, an unconventional long-segment fibula graft, pelvis-vertebral support, was an effective reconstruction method.

A high proportion of caseous necrosis, abscess, and granulation tissue formation in spinal tuberculosis.

The special blood circulation, anatomy, and tissue structure of the spine may lead to significant differences in pathological features and drug resistance between spinal tuberculosis and pulmonary tuberculosis. Here, we collected 168 spinal tuberculosis cases and 207 pulmonary tuberculosis cases, and compared their clinical and pathological features as well as drug resistance. From the anatomical location, the highest incidence was of lumbar tuberculosis, followed by thoracic tuberculosis. PET-CT scans showed increased FDG uptake in the diseased vertebrae, discernible peripheral soft tissue shadow, visible internal capsular shadow, and an abnormal increase in FDG uptake. MRI showed infectious lesions in the diseased vertebral body, formation of paravertebral and bilateral psoas muscle abscess, and edema of surrounding soft tissues. As with control tuberculosis, the typical pathological features of spinal tuberculosis were chronic granulomatous inflammation with caseous necrosis. The incidence of granulomas was not statistically different between the groups. However, the proportions of caseous necrosis, acute inflammation, abscess, exudation, and granulation tissue formation in the spinal tuberculosis group were all significantly increased relative to the control tuberculosis group. Compared to the control tuberculosis group, the incidences of resistance to rifampicin (RFP) + isoniazid (INH) + streptomycin (STR) and INH + ethambutol (EMB) were lower in the spinal tuberculosis group, while the incidences of resistance to RFP + INH + EMB and RFP + EMB were higher. Moreover, we also found some differences in drug-resistance gene mutations. In conclusion, there are noticeable differences between spinal Mycobacterium tuberculosis and pulmonary tuberculosis in pathological characteristics, drug resistance, and drug resistance gene mutations.

Unmasking the great imitators-noninfectious conditions masquerading as spinal tuberculosis in a developing country: A single-center case series analysis

The diagnosis of spinal tuberculosis often relies on clinical, radiological, and laboratory findings, particularly in resource-constrained settings. However, numerous noninfectious conditions exhibit similar clinical and radiological features to spinal tuberculosis, leading to potential misdiagnosis in the absence of microbiological or histopathological confirmation. This study aims to present a case series from a developing country, highlighting noninfectious conditions that mimic spinal tuberculosis. A retrospective analysis was conducted on hospital records and imaging of patients diagnosed with spinal tuberculosis, lacking microbiological or histopathological evidence, and unresponsive to empirical antitubercular treatment. Patients displaying noninfectious conditions resembling spinal tuberculosis upon further investigation were included. Clinical and radiological findings of these patients were thoroughly analyzed. Among a total of 23 patients observed over a 6-year period (2015-2020), various noninfectious conditions were identified as mimickers of spinal tuberculosis. These conditions included vertebral body haemangioma, ankylosing spondylitis (with or without Andersson lesion), rheumatoid pannus, osteoid osteoma, cystic hygroma, multiple myeloma, vertebral metastasis, malignant small round-cell tumor, pancreatic pseudocyst, esophageal duplication cyst, Modic changes in degenerative disc disease, Paget's disease, and psoas hematoma. Noninfectious spinal conditions can masquerade as spinal tuberculosis, underscoring the importance of obtaining a definitive tissue diagnosis before initiating antitubercular treatment. Particular attention should be given to features such as central lesions and the absence of soft tissue involvement in suspected cases of spinal tuberculosis, warranting a careful reconsideration of the diagnosis.

Clinical Value of Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing Using Spinal Tissue in the Rapid Diagnosis of Spinal Tuberculosis.

To evaluate the accuracy of metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) for rapid diagnosis of spinal tuberculosis using spinal tissue specimens. Medical data regarding suspected spinal tuberculosis were retrospectively analyzed. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and area under the curve (AUC) of mNGS were calculated to determine its diagnostic efficacy, and these values were compared with culture and composite reference standard (CRS). Two hundred and three cases of spinal tuberculosis were included for analysis. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and AUC of mNGS compared with culture were all very good. When CRS was used for the comparison, the sensitivity of mNGS and culture were 71.2% and 73.0%; the specificity and PPV were 100% in all cases; the NPV were 74.2% and 75.4%; the AUCs were all 0.86. The sensitivity and NPV of culture were slightly higher than that of mNGS; however, the diagnostic efficacy of mNGS and culture was consistent (P > 0.05). Spinal tissue specimens for mNGS testing had very good accuracy for diagnosing spinal tuberculosis.

A plasma 3-marker microRNA biosignature distinguishes spinal tuberculosis from other spinal destructive diseases and pulmonary tuberculosis.

Accurate spinal tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis is of utmost importance for adequately treating and managing the disease. Given the need for additional diagnostic tools, this study aimed to investigate the utility of host serum miRNA biomarkers for diagnosing and distinguishing spinal tuberculosis (STB) from pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) and other spinal diseases of different origins (SDD). For a case-controlled investigation, a total of 423 subjects were voluntarily recruited, with 157 cases of STB, 83 cases of SDD, 30 cases of active PTB, and 153 cases of healthy controls (CONT) in 4 clinical centers. To discover the STB-specific miRNA biosignature, a high-throughput miRNA profiling study was performed in the pilot study with 12 cases of STB and 8 cases of CONT using the Exiqon miRNA PCR array platform. A bioinformatics study identified that the 3-plasma miRNA combination (hsa-miR-506-3p, hsa-miR-543, hsa-miR-195-5p) might serve as a candidate biomarker for STB. The subsequent training study developed the diagnostic model using multivariate logistic regression in training data sets, including CONT(n=100) and STB (n=100). Youden's J index determined the optimal classification threshold. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that 3-plasma miRNA biomarker signatures have an area under the curve (AUC) = 0.87, sensitivity = 80.5%, and specificity = 80.0%. To explore the possible potential to distinguish spinal TB from PDB and other SDD, the diagnostic model with the same classification threshold was applied to the analysis of the independent validation data set, including CONT(n=45), STB(n=45), brucellosis spondylitis (BS, n=30), PTB (n=30), spinal tumor (ST, n=30) and pyogenic spondylitis (PS, n=23). The results showed diagnostic model based on three miRNA signatures could discriminate the STB from other SDD groups with sensitivity=80%, specificity=96%, Positive Predictive Value (PPV)=84%, Negative Predictive Value (NPV)=94%, the total accuracy rate of 92%. These results indicate that this 3-plasma miRNA biomarker signature could effectively discriminate the STB from other spinal destructive diseases and pulmonary tuberculosis. The present study shows that the diagnostic model based on 3-plasma miRNA biomarker signature (hsa-miR-506-3p, hsa-miR-543, hsa-miR-195-5p) may be used for medical guidance to discriminate the STB from other spinal destructive disease and pulmonary tuberculosis.

Clinical Study of 566 Cases of Senile Spinal Tuberculosis

Clinical Study of 566 Cases of Senile Spinal Tuberculosis

Prospective study comparing the clinical outcomes of conservative and surgically treated spinal tuberculosis

Introduction: Spinal tuberculosis is a serious form of extra pulmonary tuberculosis which if left untreated can be fatal; neurologic dysfunctions in association with active tuberculosis of spine can be prevented by early diagnosis and prompt treatment. Prompt treatment can reverse paralysis and minimize the potential disability resulting from Pott’s paraplegia. A significant dilemma exists as to which line of management a patient needs to be subjected once diagnosed to have spinal tuberculosis. Objective: Assess the functional and neurological outcome of patients treated with different modalities of treatment and attempts to ascertain the best practise for effective management of a case of spinal tuberculosis. Materials and Methods: 22 adult patients diagnosed with spinal TB and treated with either conservative line of management or CT/USG guided pigtail catheter drainage with chemotherapy or surgery combined with chemotherapy, were considered. Patients were followed up until completion of anti-TB treatment. Clinical outcomes were assessed using Visual analogue scale, Oswestry Disability Index and modified McCormick grade. Results: Patients having milder form were treated conservatively using anti-tubercular drugs alone (n=13). Patients with well-established abscess and without instability were treated using CT/USG guided pigtail catheter drainage along with antitubercular drugs (n=6).

Isolated Posterior Instrumentation for Selected Cases of Thoracic and Lumbar Spinal Tuberculosis without Radical Debridement.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of thoracic and lumbar spinal tuberculosis treated with isolated posterior instrumentation without radical debridement. This study retrospectively analyzed 73 patients with thoracic and lumbar spinal tuberculosis who were treated using isolated posterior instrumentation without radical debridement in our hospital between January 2012 to December 2019. The patient group was composed of 42 men and 31 women with a mean age of 67.3±8.6 years. The tuberculosis spine instability score (TSIS) was used to evaluate spine stability. All patients received chemotherapy for 18 months after surgery. The time of surgery, blood loss, visual analogue score (VAS), kyphosis angle, Oswestry disability index (ODI), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), Frankel grading, SF-36 scores, and local recurrence and complications were analyzed to evaluate the efficacy of isolated posterior instrumentation surgery in the treatment of thoracic and lumbar spinal tuberculosis. All patients were followed up for 12 to 24 months (mean 14±3.2 months). The mean surgical time was 1.2±1.4h (range, 1.2-1.6h), and mean blood loss was 107±18mL. The postoperative symptoms were obviously relieved. The VAS, kyphosis angle, DI, and ESR decreased, respectively, from 8.24±1.32, 19.82±3.42, 46.25±3.62, and 49.64±17.61 to 1.12±0.21, 7.14±0.81, 20.17±5.11, and 0.35±1.13 at final follow-up. In comparison to preoperative values, SF-36 scores were significantly improved at final follow-up and the differences were statistically significant (p<0.05). All patients achieved neurological recovery at the final follow-up. There were no recurrences or complications in any of the patients. Isolated posterior instrumentation without radical debridement is a suitable minor surgical trauma that offers a remarkable advantage of effective pain relief, improvement in neurological function and performance status, and no local recurrence for selected patients with thoracic and lumbar spinal tuberculosis.

Sequential Imaging Characteristics and Potential Role of F18 Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography/CT in the Evaluation of Treatment Response in Cases of Spinal Tuberculosis Without Neurological Involvement: Results From a Pilot Study.

PurposeIn this non-randomized study, we prospectively studied the sequential imaging properties of fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) and evaluated the role of FDG PET as a non-invasive imaging modality for identifying non-responders during anti-tubercular treatment (ATT) of spinal tuberculosis (TB).MethodsBefore starting anti-tubercular treatment, 25 patients with clinically and radiological suspected; pathologically confirmed spinal TB had a pretreatment contrast-enhanced whole-body FDG PET scan, followed by scans at six, 12, and 18 months. The maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) was computed, and the mean change in SUVmax was compared. The mean change in SUVmax was correlated with the clinicoradiological improvement. ResultIn cases of spinal tuberculosis, the FDG PET scan can help identify extra-spinal and non-contagious involvement. In our 25 cases of spinal TB, the baseline peak SUVmax of lesions ranged from 6.3 to 28.5 (mean 14.8). Despite treatment, the condition progressed in two patients, and they had neurological deficits; in both cases, the SUVmax levels increased. The fall in SUVmax during the treatment course was statistically significant (p-value <0.05) and correlated well with the clinical improvement.ConclusionThe inflammatory cells show increased uptake of F18 FDG, so uptake of radioactive tracer localizes and quantifies the disease activity; thus, FDG PET/CT holds a promising role as a sensitive non-invasive modality for the detection, staging, assessing disease activity, and monitoring therapy and deciding end point treatment in spinal TB.

Monocyte-to-Lymphocyte Ratio Was an Independent Factor of the Severity of Spinal Tuberculosis.

Purpose The purpose was to explore the relationship between monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR) and the severity of spinal tuberculosis. Methods A total of 1,000 clinical cases were collected, including 496 cases of spinal tuberculosis and 504 cases of nonspinal tuberculosis. Laboratory blood results were collected, including C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), white blood cells (WBC), hemoglobin (HGB), platelets (PLT), neutrophil count, percentage of neutrophils, lymphocyte count, percentage of lymphocytes, monocyte count, percentage of monocytes, MLR, platelets -to- monocyte ratio (PMR), platelets -to- lymphocyte ratio (PLR), neutrophil -to- lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and platelets -to- neutrophil ratio (PNR). The statistical parameters analyzed by the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) and receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to construct the nomogram. The nomogram was assessed by C-index, calibration curve, ROC curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA) curve. Results The C-index of the nomogram in the training set and external validation set was 0.801 and 0.861, respectively. Similarly, AUC was 0.801 in the former and 0.861 in the latter. The net benefit of the former nomogram ranged from 0.1 to 0.95 and 0.02 to 0.99 in the latter nomogram. Furthermore, there was a correlation between MLR and the severity of spinal tuberculosis. Conclusion MLR was an independent factor in the diagnosis of spinal tuberculosis and was associated with the severity of spinal tuberculosis. Additionally, MLR may be a predictor of active spinal tuberculosis.

Surgical treatment approach of cervicothoracic junction spinal tuberculosis in pediatric: A case report.

Introduction and importanceThe cervicothoracic junction is prone to infection by tuberculosis bacteria, which leads to spinal instability. Meanwhile, cervicothoracic junction spinal tuberculosis is a disease that affects the C7 to T3 vertebral, and it accounts for 5% of all spinal tuberculosis cases. Surgical procedures of treating this disease vary, and the most commonly used method is the combined anterior and posterior approach. This case report presents the disease with uncommon location in pediatric, which is rarely reported, and performed with the single-stage posterior approach to treat the patient, which showed a good clinical and radiological result.Case presentationA 15-years old girl with one-month history of progressive inferior paraplegia (within a month, her muscle strength went from score 5 to 0) initially complained of neck pain, gradual weakness of the lower extremities, and hypoesthesia below T4. The spine's MRI also showed a tuberculous spondylitis in the T1 to T3 vertebral and a huge paravertebral abscess at the C5 to T3 level. Subsequently, an adequate decompression, debridement, maintenance and reinforcement of stability as well as deformity correction were carried out using the single-stage posterior approach.ConclusionsThe cervicothoracic junction spinal tuberculosis with huge paravertebral abscess makes surgical procedures difficult, specifically in pediatric patients. However, the single stage posterior approach produced a better clinical and radiological result with a short operation time. The selection of appropriate surgical approach management with good perioperative planning as well as effective medical management improved the patient's condition.

Long Cervicothoracolumbal Rigid Bracing Stabilization on Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury of Post-Operated Multi-Focal Upper Cervical-Thoracic Spinal Tuberculosis: A Unique Case Report

Background and aim: Spinal tuberculosis (STB) is a hazardous type of bone tuberculosis that could affect the entire spine, with predilection towards the lower thoracic level. Upper cervical spondylitis occurred only at 0.3 – 1% of all STB cases, but this rare type leads to severe consequences, including tetraplegia, autonomic dysfunction, and respiratory impairment. This case reported long CTLSO rigid external stabilisation reasoning to boost protection whilst recovering tuberculosis despite stable internal stabilisation. Methods: A 34-year-old male came with one year of worsening low-back pain, unintentional weight loss, and gradual loss of power and sensation of both feet within a month. Physical examination showed kyphotic deformity, tenderness, key-muscle-strength 3, and sensory impairment for lower extremities, with no autonomic disturbances. Laboratory works showed chronic ongoing infection. Whole-spine MRI showed multiple spondylodiscitis with multi-focal paravertebral abscesses at C3 – C5, C7 – T3, T9 – T12, L1, severe canal stenosis and anterior segment destruction of T12. Results: The patient was diagnosed with SCI AIS D with a neurological level of L3 secondary to T12 vertebra destruction from STB. He underwent abscess evacuation, debridement, and posterior stabilisation at T10 – L3 and debridement of abscess at C3 – C5 without the need for stabilisation. After procedures, the spine was further stabilised by a CTSLO brace with flexion, extension, lateral flexion, rotation stop. Inward rehabilitation includes incremental mobilisation, upper-limb-extensor-group-strengthening-programme, balance-exercise with ambulation training. Patient discharged with status: ambulate independently with a walker. To date, the patient has returned to work with independent ambulation. Conclusion: Type-III STB was indicated for surgical procedures. Instability of upper cervical prevented patient to performed loadbearing activity thus lowering patient functional outcomes. CTLSO supplementation was given to compensate for 3 lesion sites, the upper cervical, mid-thoracic, and lower-thoracic. For the C3 – C5 lesion, there was no internal stabilisation, so a proper external mode of stabilisation should be given. However, for the thoracic level, CTLSO was given due to (1) incomplete SCI lesion in the absence of deteriorating neurological deficit,c(2) porous nature of STB, and (3) good prognostic recovery of STB with anti-TB medication leading to the reversible neurological deficit.

Clinical Study of a New Design Percutaneous Transpedicular Biopsy System for Spinal Tuberculosis

Purpose: Despite some spinal tuberculosis cases having typical imaging findings, histological/ microbiological evidence is required for definitive diagnosis and management. Percutaneous biopsy is suitable for histopathologic and bacteriologic evaluation of vertebral lesions, as it is a quick and minimally invasive technique to obtain specimens from deep structures and is advantageous for open surgical biopsy. Based on a minimally invasive technique, herein, we describe a newly designed percutaneous transpedicular biopsy system for lumbar vertebral lesion biopsy. Methods: Fifty-six patients who underwent percutaneous transpedicular vertebral biopsy under fluoroscopic guidance were evaluated. Biopsy specimens were obtained by passing a proprietary 6-mm diameter biopsy instrument through the pedicle and into the disease site under C-arm fluoroscopy. Specimens were sent for histological and bacteriologic analyses. Results: There were 36 males and 20 female patients of mean age 47.64 years (range 22-80 years). Biopsies were performed on 56 lumbar vertebral bodies. The average operative time were 15.6 minutes (range 13-18 minutes). All 56 patients (54 tubercular pathology, one metastasis, and one osteoporotic fracture with chronic nonspecific inflammation) had definitive histological/ microbiological diagnosis. Two patients (3.57% of 56 patients) developed a biopsy site small hematoma. Conclusions: A newly designed percutaneous transpedicular biopsy system was successfully used for lumbar vertebral biopsy under local anesthesia. It was easy to use and was safe with a low complication rate for definitive diagnosis of lumbar spinal tuberculosis and could be performed with minimal morbidity and high diagnostic yield as an outpatient procedure.

A Validated Score for Evaluating Spinal Instability to Assess Surgical Candidacy in Active Spinal Tuberculosis-An Evidence Based Approach and Multinational Expert Consensus Study.

Modified Delphi Consensus and Observational Study. Instability in spinal tuberculosis (STB) leads to disabling spinal deformity and neurodeficit. Identifying and estimating instability remains subjective, mainly based on experience. This study aims to develop an objective scoring system to determine instability in STB. The study included 4 phases. (1) A panel of 10 experienced spine surgeons developed a questionnaire based on literature. (2) 68 spine surgeons from 12 countries opined on the importance of each factor in a survey. Five factors deemed important by >70% of participants were further analyzed (3) 60 representative cases of STB were analyzed for instability. A preliminary scoring system was developed, a threshold score for determining instability was derived, and (4) Results were validated. All the 5 factors ("Spine at risk" signs, severity of vertebral body loss, Cervicothoracic/Thoracolumbar junction involvement, age ≤15, and kyphotic deformity ≥30°) considered important by >70% of participants were associated with instability and included in scoring: age ≤15years (P-value, 0.05), cervicothoracic/thoracolumbar junction involvement (P-value, 0.028), sagittal deformity angle ratio (DAR) ≥ 15° (P-value, <.001), vertebral body loss-segmental ratio ≥.5 (P-value, <.001), and presence of spine at risk signs (P-value, <.001). A total score of ≥3/09 indicated definite instability with good sensitivity (77%) and excellent specificity (100%). Repeatability assessment showed a good agreement (.9625), and Cohen's kappa coefficient was strong (.809). A simple objective scoring system for predicting instability in STB has been developed using 5 main factors; young age, junctional involvement, severity of the deformity, vertebral body loss, and presence of spine at risk signs.

Accuracy and safety of robot assisted pedicle screw placement

To investigate the accuracy and safety of pedicle screw placement assisted by orthopedic robot and C-arm fluoroscopy. The clinical data of 36 patients with spinal diseases underwent surgical treatment from January 2019 to August 2020 was retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 18 cases were implanted pedicle screws assisted by orthopaedic robot(observation group), including 12 males and 6 females, aged from 16 to 61 years with an average of (38.44±3.60) years;there were 1 case of adolescent scoliosis, 1 case of spinal tuberculosis, 7 cases of lumbar spondylolisthesis, 4 cases of thoracic fracture and 5 cases of lumbar fracture. Another 18 cases were implanted pedicle screws assisted by C-arm fluoroscopy(control group), including 10 males and 8 females, aged from 18 to 58 years with an average of (43.22±2.53) years;there were 1 case of adolescent scoliosis, 6 cases of lumbar spondylolisthesis, 6 cases of thoracic fracture and 5 cases of lumbar fracture. The intraoperative fluoroscopy times, nail placement time and postoperative complications were recorded in two groups. CT scan was performed after operation. The Gertzbein-Robbins standard was used to evaluate the accuracy of pedicle screw placement which was calculated. The number of intraoperative fluoroscopy in observation group was(6.89±0.20) times, which was significantly higher than that in control group(14.00±0.18)times(P<0.05). The placement time of each screw in observation group was(2.56±0.12) min, which was significantly different from that in control group(4.22±0.17) min (P<0.05). One case of incision infection occurred in control group after operation, and recovered after active dressing change. During the follow-up period, no serious complications such as screw loosening and fracture occurred in two groups, and there was no significant difference in complications between two groups(P>0.05). A total of 107 screws were placed in observation group, including 101 screws in class A, 4 in class B, 2 in class C, 0 in class D and 0 in class E, the accuracy rate of pedicle screw placement=[(number of screws in class A+B) / the number of all screws placed in the group] ×100%=98.1%(105/107); and a total of 104 screws were placed in control group, including 90 screws in class A, 4 in class B, 5 in class C, 5 in class D and 0 in class E, the accuracy rate of pedicle screw implantation=[(number of screws in class A+B/the number of all screws placed in the group]×100%=90.3% (94/104); there was significant difference between two groups (P<0.05). Orthopaedic robot assisted pedicle screw placement has the advantages of less fluoroscopy times, shorter screw placement time and higher accuracy, which can further improve the surgical safety and has a broad application prospect in the orthopaedic.

Correlation of spinopelvic parameters with functional outcomes in surgically managed cases of lumbar spinal tuberculosis- A retrospective study

BackgroundThe advanced stage of vertebral involvement in spinal tuberculosis (STB) can cause vertebral body collapse, which leads to kyphotic deformity and paraplegia in severe cases. Surgery is indicated in patients having disabling back pain, progressive neurological deficit, and instability in spine despite conservative management. The derangement of lumbar parameters, especially the loss of lumbar lordosis has been found to cause functional deterioration in patients. With the current evidences in place, this study was done to evaluate the correlation between the restoration of lumbar lordosis, pelvic parameters, and functional outcome when posterior only approach was used to manage the lumbar STB. MethodsActive Tuberculosis of lumbar vertebra (L1-S1) confirmed by radiology (X-ray, MRI) and histopathological examination were included. All the cases scheduled for surgery underwent radiographs, CT scan, and MRI scans. Lumbar lordosis and other pelvic parameters were calculated on X-rays. VAS scores and ODI scores were documented during the follow-up to assess functional well-being. ResultsA total of 33 (22 M:11 F) patients were included in the study. The mean lumbar lordosis pre-operatively was −22.84 ± 11.19° which was corrected to −37.03 ± 9.02° (p < 0.05) post-operatively. The pelvic tilt pre-operatively was 25.33 ± 6.75° which was corrected to 19.63 ± 5.84° (p < 0.05) post-operatively. The mean ODI improved from 84.33 ± 11.84 to 26.93 ± 8.74 (p < 0.05) at the final follow-up. The mean VAS score pre-operatively was 8.06 ± 1.27 which improved to 2.45 ± 0.93 (p < 0.05) in the post-operative period. ConclusionThe study found a strong negative correlation between ODI scores and lumbar lordosis and a strong positive correlation between pelvic tilt and ODI scores. But the correlation needs to be further studied and evaluated by a well-constructed study especially with a control group treated conservatively.

Study on the expression level of NF-κB and clinical evaluations in spinal tuberculosis patients.

Spinal tuberculosis or tuberculous spondylitis is one of the most common types of skeletal tuberculosis. Complications of the spine and spinal cord tuberculosis include destruction of the vertebrae, deformity, and paraplegia. Since in some patients, the clinical manifestations of tuberculosis are unusual and timely diagnosis and treatment of this disease can prevent its serious consequences, so in the present study, some cases of rare manifestations of tuberculosis were investigated. The expression of the NF-κB gene in these patients was also evaluated. In this regard, 36 patients with spinal tuberculosis and 30 healthy individuals (as a control group) were assessed. Clinical symptoms, imaging, laboratory tests, pathology, and response to treatment related to patients with spinal tuberculosis and spinal cord tuberculosis were evaluated. NF-κB expression was also evaluated using the PCR technique in peripheral white blood cell samples. The obtained results were analyzed using SPSS ver. 16, χ2 and T-test statistical methods. Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal-Wallis non-parametric tests were used to analyze non-parametric data. The results showed that out of 36 cases of spinal tuberculosis, 29 cases had spinal tuberculosis, five cases had tuberculous radiculomyelitis, one case had spinal intramedullary tuberculoma, and one case had syringomyelia. 52.78% of patients were male, and 70% of cases were observed between the ages of 35 and 55 years. Fever and back pain were seen in more than 80% of cases. The study of NF-κB expression in the control and case groups showed that the NF-κB expression in the case group increased compared to the control group. This increase was statistically significant (P = 0.0071). In general, in the present study, the methods of clinical diagnosis of spinal tuberculosis were evaluated. Also, the amount of NF-κB transcription factor was evaluated as an effective genetic factor in the diagnosis of this disease.

Evaluation of Single Stage Posterolateral Decompression and Posterior Fixation in Dorsolumbar Spinal Tuberculosis: A Prospective Study

Introduction: The study has been designed with all perseverance’s, to observe and evaluate the results of single stage transpedicular decompression and posterior fixation in Dorso Lumbar Spinal Tuberculosis. Material and Methods: The present study “Evaluation of Single Stage Posterolateral Decompression and Posterior Fixation in Dorsolumbar Spinal Tuberculosis: A Prospective Study” was conducted on clinicopathologically diagnosed cases of spinal tuberculosis of dorsal and lumbar region during a period of two years from “October 2018 to October 2020” in the Department of Orthopaedics, S.C.B. Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack, Odisha. Method of Collection of Data: This is a clinical and prospective study conducted on patients admitted to S.C.B. Medical College, Cuttack after obtaining ethical clearance from the institutional ethical committee. A total of 25 cases of tuberculosis of spine in thoracic and lumbar region were selected for this procedure after obtaining proper informed and written consent.Patients were admitted based on clinical presentation such as prolonged back pain usually with tender gibbus, with/ without neurologic deficit. Objective of the Study: The objective of the study is to evaluate the efficacy of single stage posterolateral decompression and posterior fixation in spinal tuberculosis. The patients are to be evaluated postoperatively regarding following parameters: – • Postoperative neurological status and its improvement • Degree of pain relief • Radiological fusion of vertebra • Correction of angle of kyphosis Discussion: This piece of work conducted in Department of Orthopaedics, SCB Medical College, Cuttack, is meant for an analytical study of transpedicular decompression and debridement of spinal cord and fixation of the unstable spine by means of screws &amp; rod system in a single stage posterior approach surgery. In our study we followed Tuli’s Middle Path Regimen in the management. Hence, all clinicoradiological diagnosed TB spine cases were administered ATT drugs under govt. sponsored DOTS Therapy Schedule. The pts who didn’t show signs of improvement, or deteriorating neural deficit, or progressive and gross kyphosis, or patients with severe pain were taken up for surgery and then followed up regularly at 3 months interval for a minimum average follow up period of 1 year. In our study, out of 25, 11 patients recovered completely from neurological deficit and was found to have Frenkel grade E. Another 12 patients had recovered to Frenkel grade D. Hence almost 92 percent of patients had satisfactory neurological recovery. In our study fusion was seen in 64 percent of cases which was significant and comparable with the studies of Gueven et al, Lee et al, and Chacko et al. Pain reduced in all cases. Conclusion: There was neurological recovery in all cases except one, indicating debridement by transpedicular approach is still effective though not radical. Pain was significantly reduced in all cases. Another vital observation was a correction in kyphotic deformity which was significant and also quite stable. There was fusion in more than half of the cases Keywords: Single Stage Posterolateral Decompression, Posterior Fixation in Dorsolumbar Spinal Tuberculosis, Potts Paraplegia