Lumbar Spinal Tuberculosis Research Articles

One-stage surgical treatment for thoracic and lumbar Spinal tuberculosis by transpedicular fixation, debridement, and combined interbody and posterior fusion via a posterior-only approach.

This study examined the clinical outcomes of one-stage surgical treatment for patients with spinal tuberculosis via a posterior-only approach. Twenty-four patients with thoracic or lumbar spinal tuberculosis whose lesions were confined to adjacent segments were admitted to our hospital and treated. The American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) impairment scale was used to assess the neurological function. All patients were treated with one-stage surgical treatment via a posterior-only approach. The clinical efficacy was evaluated by the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores and oswestry disability index (ODI) of nerve function. Patients were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively by measurement of spinal deformity using Cobb angle and radiological examination. All the patients were followed up for 13 to 27 months. They had significantly postoperative improvement in JOA score, ODI and ASIA classification scores. The kyphotic angles were significantly corrected and maintained at the final follow-up. Bone fusion was achieved within 4-12 months. It was concluded that one-stage surgical treatment via a posterior-only approach is effective and feasible for the treatment of spinal tuberculosis.

The clinical efficacy of pathologic vertebral surgery for thoracic and lumbar tuberculosis

Objective To discuss the clinical efficacy of surgical treatment of pathologic vertebral surgery for thoracic and lumbar tuberculosis. Methods All of 322 cases of thoracic and lumbar spinal tuberculosis patients from December 2003 to June 2014 were retrospectively analyzed in our department. All patients were underwent debridement, fusion and nerve decompression surgery. According to different fixed methods, patients were divided into pathologic vertebral surgery group (fixation completed within lesions invaded motion unit) including 91 males and 100 females, with an average age of 41.53 years, and non-pathologic vertebral surgery group (long segments or short segment fixation) including 61 males and 70 females, with an average age of 42.72 years. We observed the tuberculosis cure rate, degrees of deformity, pain and neurological recovery, operative time, blood loss and complications by follow-up. Results The average follow-up time was 75.52 months in pathologic vertebral surgery group and 76.21 months in non-pathologic vertebral surgery group. The total number of pathologic vertebras in pathologic vertebral surgery group and non-pathologic vertebral surgery group were 277 and 218 respectively, and the average was 1.45 and 1.66. The total number of fixed segments was 277 in pathologic vertebral surgery group and 485 in non-pathologic vertebral surgery group, and the average fixed segments was 1.45 and 3.70. The cure rate was 85.86% in pathologic vertebral surgery group and 85.49% in non-pathologic vertebral surgery group at 6 months postoperatively, and 98.95% and 98.47% at the last follow-up time, with no significant difference between groups. Graft fusion rate was 89.00% in pathologic vertebral surgery group and 89.31% in non-pathologic vertebral surgery group 6 months postoperatively, 98.38% and 98.47% at the last follow-up time, without significant difference. In lumbar spine, the average correction of Cobb's angle was 12.4° in pathologic vertebral surgery group and 13.1° in non-pathologic vertebral surgery group, and the average angle loss was 1.3 and 1.4°, with no significant difference. In thoracolumbar, the average correction of Cobb's angle was 10.9°in pathologic vertebral surgery group and 11.1°in non-pathologic vertebral surgery group, and the average angle loss was 1.7°and 1.5° respectively, without significant difference. However, in thoracic, the average correction of Cobb's angle was 10.2° in pathologic vertebral surgery group and 12.7° in non-pathologic vertebral surgery group, and the average angle loss was 3.6° and 2.5°respectively, with significant difference. The mean operation time was 210.45 min in pathologic vertebral surgery group and 210.45 min in non-pathologic vertebral surgery group, with significant difference. The average blood loss was 726.12 ml in pathologic vertebral surgery group and 726.12 ml in non-pathologic vertebral surgery group, with significant difference. The complication rate was 11.51% in pathologic vertebral surgery group and 11.45% in non-pathologic vertebral surgery group, with no significant difference. Conclusion Pathologic vertebral surgery surgery is a safe, effective and feasible method of operation for treatment of thoracic and lumbar tuberculosis, which can effectively preserve adjacent normal vertebral motion unit features. The thoracic surgery was less satisfactory than the lumbar and thoracolumbar surgery. Key words: Thoracic vertebrae; Lumbar vertebrae; Tuberculosis, spinal; Bone transplantation; Treatment outcome

The efficacy of local continuous chemotherapy and postural drainage in combination with one-stage posterior surgery for the treatment of lumbar spinal tuberculosis.

BackgroundThe objective of this study was to compare the outcomes of one-stage posterior surgery involving debridement, bone grafting, and instrumentation with and without local continuous chemotherapy and postural drainage for the treatment of lumbar spinal tuberculosis.MethodsFrom January 2009 to January 2013, 109 patients with lumbar spinal tuberculosis were treated in our center using a posterior surgical approach. Patients underwent one-stage posterior debridement, bone grafting, and instrumentation, without (group A) and with (group B) local continuous chemotherapy and postural drainage. Clinical and radiographic results for the two groups were analyzed and compared. Clinical efficacy was evaluated based on surgery duration and blood loss. The Frankel scale was used to evaluate neurological function. A visual analog scale was used to assess low back pain. Bone graft fusion and instrumentation failure were monitored by radiography, and tuberculosis activity was monitored by erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein testing.ResultsGroups A and B contained 52 and 57 patients, respectively. Patients were followed for 18–36 (mean, 26.64 ± 4.2) months. All bone grafts ultimately fused, but the fusion rate was significantly more rapid in group B [6.4 ± 0.5 (range, 5–10) months] than in group A [8.9 ± 0.6 (range, 6–12) months; P < 0.05]. At 6 weeks postoperatively, ESR levels differed significantly between groups A and B (24.6 ± 1.5 vs. 16.3 ± 1.1 mm/h; P < 0.05). ESR levels normalized in both groups at 16 weeks.ConclusionsLocal continuous chemotherapy and postural drainage effectively eliminated infection foci caused by abscess remnants and accelerated interbody bone fusion in patients with lumbar spinal tuberculosis undergoing one-stage posterior surgery involving debridement, bone grafting, and instrumentation.

Impact on Neurological Recovery of Transforaminal Debridement and Interbody Fusion versus Transpedicular Decompression in Combination with Pedicle Screw Instrumentation for Treating Thoracic and Lumbar Spinal Tuberculosis.

Study DesignRetrospective study.PurposeTo compare the neurological outcome of transforaminal debridement and interbody fusion with transpedicular decompression for treatment of thoracic and lumbar spinal tuberculosis.Overview of LiteratureFew articles have addressed the impact of neurological recovery in patients with tuberculosis who were treated by two different operative methods via the posterior-only approach.MethodsClinical and radiographic results of one-stage posterior instrumented spinal fusion for treatment of tuberculous spondylodiscitis with neurological deficits were reviewed and analyzed from 2009 to 2013. The extensive (E) group consisted of patients who received transforaminal debridement and interbody fusion, whereas transpedicular decompression was performed on limited (L) group. Rapid recovery was improvement of at least one Frankel grade within 6 weeks after operation. Otherwise, it was slow recovery.ResultsAll 39 patients had improved neurological signs. The median follow-up period was 24 months. Proportionately younger patients (under 65 years of age) received extensive surgery (15 of 18, 83.3% vs. 11 of 21, 52.4%; p=0.04). The mean operative time and blood loss in the group E were higher than in the group L (both p<0.01). With regard to type of procedure, especially at thoracic and thoracolumbar spine, patients who underwent extensive surgery had rapid neurological recovery significantly different from those of limited surgery (p=0.01; Relative Risk, 3.06; 95% Confidence Interval, 1.13 to 8.29).ConclusionsTransforaminal debridement and interbody fusion provides more rapid neurological recovery in patients with thoracic and thoracolumbar spinal tuberculosis compared to transpedicular decompression.

Results of Single-Staged Posterior Decompression and Circumferential Fusion Using a Transpedicular Approach to Correct a Kyphotic Deformity due to Thoracolumbar Spinal Tuberculosis.

Study DesignThis is a prospective study.PurposeThe aim of this study was to investigate the results of single-staged posterior decompression and circumferential fusion using a transpedicular approach to correct a kyphotic deformity due to thoracolumbar spinal tuberculosis.Overview of LiteratureSurgical management is frequently an imperative choice to achieve spinal decompression and deformity correction due to tuberculosis to relieve pain, improve neurology, and reconstruct the spine stability. Since the time anterior radical debridement and noninstrumented fusion was described, it has become apparent that even anterior debridement and bone grafting was often unsatisfactory in correcting or preventing the progression of kyphosis deformity. With the advent of modern segmental spinal instrumentation systems, isolated posterior instrumentation; combined anterior and posterior fusion; and single-staged posterior decompression and circumferential fusion have been described by many authors for correcting angular deformity and stabilizing the spine; however, there is a lack of consensus regarding the most effective means of correcting the deformity due to thoracolumbar spinal tuberculosis.MethodsThis is a prospective study of 20 patients with thoracolumbar spinal tuberculosis who underwent surgery at our institute.ResultsTwenty patients who were started on antituberculosis treatment underwent surgery using a single-staged posterior approach involving fixation, decompression, and kyphosis correction. Preoperatively, all patients had varying degrees of neurological deficit and a 27.45° average kyphotic angle, which improved. At the 1-year follow-up, correction was maintained at 6.9°, and 55% of patients showed neurological improvement. None of the patients experienced neurological deterioration. Two patients with lumbar spine tuberculosis underwent revision surgery because of nonunion.ConclusionsThe procedure of posterior decompression, fixation, and circumferential fusion using a transpedicular approach performed for thoracolumbar spinal tuberculosis is effective, safe, and excellent in correcting and maintaining kyphosis.

One-stage posterior focus debridement, fusion, and instrumentation in the surgical treatment of lumbar spinal tuberculosis with kyphosis in children.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the clinical efficacy and feasibility of one-stage posterior focus debridement, fusion, and instrumentation in the surgical treatment of lumbar spinal tuberculosis with kyphosis in children. From December 2007 to May 2012, 13 patients (six males and seven females) suffering from lumbar spinal tuberculosis with kyphosis were admitted. All patients were treated with one-stage posterior focus debridement, fusion, and instrumentation. Then, the clinical efficacy was estimated by statistical analysis based on the data about Frankel grade, the Cobb angle of kyphosis, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), which were collected at certain time. The age of all patients ranged from 5 to 13years (average, 8.8years). Operation time ranged from 120 to 190min (average, 165min). Intraoperative blood loss ranged from 200 to 800ml (average, 460ml). All patients were followed up for 24 to 57months postoperatively (average, 33.5months). The Cobb angle was changed significantly between preoperation and postoperation (P < 0.05), and there was no significant loss at the last follow-up. The preoperation ESR (62.5 ± 15.7) returned to normal (16.6 ± 8.1) within 3months postoperatively in all patients (P < 0.05). Bone fusion was achieved within 3-5months (average, 3.5months). In the 13 cases, no postoperative severe complications occurred and neurologic function improved in various degrees. The outcomes of follow-up showed that one-stage posterior focus debridement, fusion, and instrumentation can be an effective treatment method for the lumbar spinal tuberculosis with kyphosis in children.

The impact of continued nursing on the anxiety as well as the quality of life of patients with tuberculosis of lumbar spine

Objective To evaluate the impact of continued nursing for anxiety and quality of life of the patients with tuberculosis of lumbar spine. Methods 187 cases with tuberculosis of lumbar spine in 2010- 2012 were randomly divided into control and experiment groups. 93 cases in control group were provided with continued nursing randomly.94 cases in experiment group received the ordinary standard nursing.After the treatment, the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale paper was used to test their anxiety level.Three months after the treatment, the 187 patients were given the MOS 36-item Short Form Health Survey paper to measure their quality of life. Results The experiment group had 26 without anxiety, 43 with mild anxiety, 18 with moderate anxiety, 7 with severe anxiety.The control group had 18 without anxiety, 25 with mild anxiety, 39 with moderate anxiety, 11 with severe anxiety.There was significant difference in anxiety level.between two groups(Z=-2.948, P<0.05) The total quality of life scores of the experiment group(67.52±18.61) was higher than that of control group(43.68±12.46). Also, the quality of life scores on physical, psychology and social of the experiment group were higher than those of control group (P<0.05). Patient satisfaction rate of the experiment group was 86.17% (81/94). The rate of the control group was only 69.89% (65/93). The difference was statistically significant(χ2=7.227, P<0.05). Conclusion Continued nursing could help the patients release their anxiety emotion, improve their quality of life.Continued nursing should be put in the therapy of tuberculosis of lumbar spine. Key words: Continued nursing; Tuberculosis of lumbar spine; Anxiety; Quality of life

Treatment effect, postoperative complications, and their reasons in juvenile thoracic and lumbar spinal tuberculosis surgery.

ObjectiveFifty-four juvenile cases under 18 years of age with thoracic and lumbar spinal tuberculosis underwent focus debridement, deformity correction, bone graft fusion, and internal fixation. The treatment effects, complications, and reasons were analyzed retrospectively.Material and methodThere were 54 juvenile cases under 18 years of age with thoracolumbar spinal tuberculosis. The average age was 9.2 years old, and the sample comprised 38 males and 16 females. The disease types included 28 thoracic cases, 17 thoracolumbar cases, and 9 lumbar cases. Nerve function was evaluated with the Frankel classification. Thirty-six cases were performed with focus debridement and deformity correction and were supported with allograft or autograft in mesh and fixed with pedicle screws from a posterior approach. Eight cases underwent a combined anterior and posterior surgical approach. Nine cases underwent osteotomy and deformity correction, and one case received focus debridement. The treatment effects, complications, and bone fusions were tracked for an average of 52 months.ResultsAccording to the Frankel classification, paralysis was improved from 3 cases of B, 8 cases of C, 18 cases of D, and 25 cases of E preoperatively. This improvement was found in 3 cases of C, 6 cases of D, and 45 cases of E at a final follow-up postoperatively. No nerve dysfunction was aggravated. VAS was improved from 7.8 ± 1.7 preoperatively to 3.2 ± 2.1 at final follow-up postoperatively. ODI was improved from 77.5 ± 17.3 preoperatively to 28.4 ± 15.9 at final follow-up postoperatively. Kyphosis Cobb angle improved from 62.2° ± 3.7° preoperatively to 37° ± 2.4° at final follow-up postoperatively. Both of these are significant improvements, and all bone grafts were fused. Complications related to the operation occurred in 31.5 % (17/54) of cases. Six cases suffered postoperative aggravated kyphosis deformity, eight cases suffered proximal kyphosis deformity, one case suffered pedicle penetration, one case suffered failure of internal devices, and one case suffered recurrence of tuberculosis.ConclusionAs long as the treatment plan is fully prepared, the surgical option can achieve a satisfactory curative effect in treating juvenile spinal tuberculosis despite some complications.

Debridement, internal fixation, and reconstruction using titanium mesh for the surgical treatment of thoracic and lumbar spinal tuberculosis via a posterior-only approach: a 4-year follow-up of 28 patients.

BackgroundThe standard recommended method for surgical treatment of spinal tuberculosis is an anterior approach for debridement and fusion combined with posterior instrumentation. However, the method has its disadvantages. The aim of this study was to analyze the effectiveness and safety of treating thoracic and lumbar spinal tuberculosis with debridement, internal fixation reconstruction, and using specially formed titanium mesh cages via a posterior-only approach.MethodsThe authors retrospectively reviewed the cases of 28 patients with spinal tuberculosis treated by debridement, internal fixation, and reconstruction with a specially formed titanium mesh cage via a posterior-only approach. The levels involved were less than two contiguous vertebrae: 13 thoracic vertebrae, 5 thoracolumbar vertebrae, and 10 lumbar vertebrae. All patients suffered from back pain, and nine patients had neurologic deficits (two were class C and seven were in class D according to the American Spinal Injury Association classification). All patients were followed up every 3 months after surgery, with a minimum 48-month follow-up. The clinical efficacy was evaluated based on the visual analog scale (VAS), the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), neurological status, kyphosis angle, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR).ResultsAll patients obtained solid bony fusions without failure of fixation. The infections were resolved in all patients, as noted by normalization of their ESR. The average surgery time was 2 h and 15 min, with an average blood loss of 435 ml. The VAS scores dropped from a preoperative level of 6.31 ± 1.25 to the final follow-up level of 0.57 ± 0.14. The ODI scores dropped from 39.14 ± 12.38 preoperatively to 7.29 ± 3.09 at 1 year postoperatively and 6.77 ± 2.53 at final follow-up. The kyphosis Cobb’s angle was corrected from 22.31° ± 4.26° preoperatively to 5.86° ± 0.57° at final follow-up. No subsidence of titanium mesh cage or posterior instrumentation failure was observed postoperatively. The neurological outcome increased by 1–2 grades in the patients with neurological deficits.ConclusionsDebridement, internal fixation, and reconstruction using specially formed titanium mesh cages via a posterior-only approach is effective and safe for treating adults with thoracic and lumbar spinal tuberculosis involving less than two contiguous levels.

The role of single-stage posterior debridement, interbody fusion with titanium mesh cages and short-segment instrumentation in thoracic and lumbar spinal tuberculosis.

The aim of this paper was to retrospectively analyze the clinical efficacy and feasibility of thoracic and lumbar spinal tuberculosis treated by single-stage posterior debridement, interbody fusion with titanium mesh cages (TMC), and combined short-segment instrumentation. Fifteen patients with no more than two vertebral bodies involving thoracic and lumbar tuberculosis were collected from January 2006 to January 2010, performed by single-stage posterior debridement, interbody fusion with TMC and posterior short-segment fixation. The clinical efficacy was evaluated based on the data of the 10-point Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), neurological status, kyphosis angle, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C-reactive protein, which were collected at a certain time. The average duration of surgery was 135 minutes. All the patients were followed up for a period ranging from 18 to 48 months (mean 28.9±6.44 months). The VAS score was improved from 8.47±1.13 (range 7-10) before surgery to 2.1±1.7 (range 0-2) after surgery. Correction of segmental kyphotic deformity was 24.2±6.59°. Neither the postoperative change of the position of titanium mesh cage nor any posterior instrumentation failure was recorded. The situation of 13 patients with incomplete neurologic lesions before surgery was improved after surgery. Patients with thoracic and lumbar spinal tuberculosis can be successfully treated by posterior debridement, interbody fusion with TMC combining short-segment instrumentation. The presence of the TMC anteriorly at the site of tubercular spondylitis has no negative influence on the course of infection healing, and additionally they stabilize the affected segment maintaining sufficient sagittal profile.

Role of Single Stage Posterior Pedicle Screw Fixation and Transpedicular Decompression with Chemotherapy, in Treatment of Thoracic, Thoracolumbar, and Lumbar Spinal Tuberculosis

Introduction Tuberculosis of spine being an anterior disease, anterior decompression, and fixation has been long considered as the gold standard. Recently, the posterior approach surgery has gained popularity, based on the principle of adequate debridement and stable fixation with much lower complication rates. This retrospective study aims at evaluating the role of a posterior stabilization with transpedicular posterior alone decompression for tuberculosis of spine. Patients and Methods A total of 55 patients surgically treated with posterior pedicle screw fixation and transpedicular decompression along with chemotherapy for tuberculosis of spine between January 2009 and May 2013 and had a minimum of 12 months' follow-up were included in the study. Their functional outcome (VAS score), neurological outcome (ASIA grading) and radiological outcome (X-ray and MRI) were assessed. Patients with kyphotic angle &gt; 30 degrees, more than three contiguous discal involvement and multifocal lesions were excluded from the study. Results Mean age of patients was 47.2 years. Thoracic spine was involved in 29, thoracolumbar in 16, and lumbar in 10 patients. Mean follow-up was of 23.2 months. Most common indication for surgery was instability pain. VAS score improved from an average of 9.2 to 2.4 in postoperative period and 3.2 at follow-up. Neurological improvement was seen in all patients with neurological deficits preoperatively. Mean kyphosis angle was 20.6 ± 4.8 degrees and was corrected postoperatively to 7.4 ± 3.2 degrees (&gt; 50%). At the latest follow-up, there was a mean loss of correction of 3.1 degrees resulting in 6.1 degrees of final correction. Bony fusion was achieved in 73% patients with no patient having any clinical signs of pseudoarthrosis. Conclusion Posterior stabilization and transpedicular decompression have shown an improvement in the functional outcome and the neurological status in most of the patients without the need of an anterior decompression and fusion. Good maintenance of spinal alignment and fusion along with resolution of the inflammatory process on MRI can be satisfactorily attained through posterior stabilization and transpedicular decompression when accompanied by chemotherapy. However, further follow-up is necessary to monitor for possible disease recurrence or implant failure.

Surgical treatment for spinal tuberculosis with bilateral paraspinal abscess or bilateral psoas abscess: one-stage surgery.

This was a prospective study on the clinical outcomes of single-stage surgery for thoracic and lumbar spine tuberculosis patients with bilateral paraspinal or bilateral psoas abscesses. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of, indications for, and clinical effects of single-stage posterior surgery for the treatment of thoracic and lumbar spinal tuberculosis with bilateral paraspinal or bilateral psoas abscesses. An increasing number of articles have been published on the use of single-stage surgery for spinal tuberculosis; however, none of these articles have discussed the use of such surgery in patients with bilateral abscesses. Between January 2003 and January 2011, 41 patients with thoracic and lumbar spinal tuberculosis and bilateral paraspinal or bilateral psoas abscesses were treated with single-stage posterior surgery. All of the patients were treated preoperatively with 1-2 weeks of antituberculosis drugs. All patients were managed postoperatively with standard courses of chemotherapy with triple or quadruple antituberculosis drugs. The clinical symptoms, complications, and laboratory and image indicators were recorded. There were no local recurrences except in one L3-L4 tuberculosis patient. Two patients presented with extraspinal tuberculosis in the third year. There were no incision complications. Bone fusion was observed 6 months after the operation. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate was normal at 3 weeks-3 months postoperatively. There were no internal fixation failures. The internal fixations in 6 young patients were removed after the spinal tuberculosis was cured. Single-stage posterior surgery with instrumentation results in less operative trauma and can be a suitable alternative for treating thoracic and lumbar tuberculosis with bilateral paraspinal or bilateral psoas abscesses.

A retrospective controlled study of three different operative approaches for the treatment of thoracic and lumbar spinal tuberculosis: Three years of follow-up

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to determine the optimal operative approach for the treatment of spinal tuberculosis. We analyzed two types of pathological vertebrae (thoracic and lumbar) and three cardinal operative approaches for surgery. MethodsSixty patients with spinal tuberculosis were divided into thoracic (n=30) and lumbar groups (n=30) based on locations of the foci. These patients underwent anti-tuberculosis drug and surgical therapy. The operative approaches for the surgical treatments were the anterior approach (AA, n=20), posterior approach (PA, n=20), and combined anterior and posterior approach (CAPA, n=20). All clinical data from the patients was collected and included surgical time, blood loss, correction of kyphosis, and vertebral body height reconstruction. Differences in the means between the groups were evaluated statistically with one-way analyses of variance (ANOVAs). ResultsThe surgery time in the CAPA group was longer than that of AA group (P<0.05), and there were no significant differences between the CAPA and PA groups or the AA and PA groups. The average vertebral body height reconstruction in the AA group was larger than that of the PA or CAPA groups, and there was no significant difference between the PA and CAPA groups (P>0.05). There were no interactions between the location of the pathological vertebra and the type of surgical approach, with the exception of blood loss. The blood loss of the CAPA was greater than those of the AA and PA patients in the thoracic group (P<0.05), and no significant difference was found in the lumbar group (P>0.05). ConclusionsAA was well-suited for serious vertebral collapse that required reconstruction of the height of the vertebrae. CAPA was unfit for patients with poor basic conditions due to the long surgical time, but the long surgery time of CAPA did not necessarily lead to greater blood loss compared to the other approaches.

Primary issues in the selection of surgical procedures for thoracic and lumbar spinal tuberculosis.

Debridement, spinal canal decompression, deformity correction, bone graft fusion and internal fixation are commonly used in the surgical treatment of spinal tuberculosis. A complete surgical plan for patients with spinal tuberculosis may include all or some of these five surgical procedures that involve both removing tuberculous lesions and re-establishing spinal stability and function. All five procedures can be carried out via an anterior or posterior approach or a combination of these two approaches. A combined posterior-anterior approach is becoming a preferred choice for treating spinal tuberculosis. However, this procedure requires two incisions and two rounds of surgeries, which the associated extensive surgical trauma. Thus, a simple anterior or posterior approach may be preferable. Each of these approaches has its own advantages and disadvantages that must be considered during the clinician's evaluation. Selection of the most appropriate of these three approaches is vital to achieving cure of spinal tuberculosis. Spinal surgeons should comprehensively consider each patient's characteristics, the manifestations of their lesions and how familiar the surgeon is with the required surgical procedure(s). The primary consideration should be the potential outcome: the effectiveness of debridement is the key determinant of the surgical outcome.

Treatment of thoracic or lumbar spinal tuberculosis complicated by resultant listhesis at the involved segment

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to present a singular pathological process of thoracic or lumbar spinal tuberculosis contributing to listhesis at the involved site, with special focus on clinical features and management of this disorder. MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 14 patients (5 males and 9 females, including 2 boys) admitted to our institution from April 2007 to March 2010 and were subsequently diagnosed with thoracic or lumbar spinal tuberculosis with resultant listhesis at the involved level. All patients underwent posterior instrumentation and reduction combined with single-stage anterior radical debridement and interbody fusion. Patients were followed-up clinically and radiographically. ResultsThe average follow-up duration was 54.6 months. All patients had a successful fusion. Complete reduction was achieved in 10 cases. Preoperative neurological injury was observed in six patients and all recovered after surgery. The average postoperative Frankel grade improvement was 1.2. The preoperative median value of the extent of listhesis was 26.2%, which fell to zero at the final follow-up (Z=−3.296, P=0.001). Pre- and postoperative median spinal stenosis rates were 45.9% and 8.4%, respectively (Z=−3.296, P=0.001). The preoperative neurologic level was positively correlated with the listhesis distance before surgery (rs=0.770, P=0.001). Postoperatively, the spinal stenosis rate was positively correlated with listhesis distance (rs=0.691, P=0.006). The correlation between neurologic level and age or spinal stenosis rate was not significant. The standardized coefficient of listhesis distance was greater than that of spinal stenosis rate in our multiple linear regression analysis model. No implant failure or recurrence of tuberculosis occurred. ConclusionTreatment of this rare pathology aims to restore good spinal alignment, radical debridement, and permanent stability. A reasonable surgical strategy may be the combination of posterior reduction, anterior debridement, and supportive graft fusion. This strategy can safely and effectively achieve all of the therapeutic goals in one step.

Active thoracic and lumbar spinal tuberculosis in children with kyphotic deformity treated by one-stage posterior instrumentation combined anterior debridement: preliminary study

The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the safety, feasibility and efficacy of one-stage posterior instrumentation combined anterior debridement and interbody fusion for treatment of active thoracic and lumbar spinal tuberculosis (TB) in children with kyphotic deformity. A total of 20 children (12 boys, 8 girls) were enrolled in this study from January 2006 to January 2011. All patients underwent one-stage posterior instrumentation combined anterior debridement and interbody fusion. Clinical and radiographic results were analyzed. Patients were followed up for 28.9months on average. Improvement was shown in all patients with neurologic dysfunction according to American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale. The mean preoperative angle of kyphosis was 35.2°±6.8° (range 26°-47°), which reduced to 9.7°±1.8° (range 6°-13°) postoperatively. The mean angle of kyphosis at the last follow-up was 12.0°±1.9° (range 9°-15°). Erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein returned to normal in all patients within 6months after surgery. All patients acquired bony fusion, and no major complications were observed through the final follow-up visit. One-stage posterior instrumentation combined anterior debridement and fusion were demonstrated to be a safe and effective method to achieve spinal decompression and kyphosis correction in children with thoracic and lumbar spinal TB.

Debridement combined with local anti-TB drugs delivery for thoracic and lumbar spine tuberculosis

Objective To investigate a therapeutic method which could provide sustained-release delivery and local longlasting anti-TB treatment after debridement of thoracic and lumbar spine tuberculosis.Methods Data of 18 patients (including 2 revised cases),who were diagnosed of thoracic and lumbar tuberculosis and required surgery treatment from October 2008 to January 2011 were retrospectively analyzed.There were 12 males and 6 females,with an average age of 48.7± 13.3 years (range,22 to 67 years).Affected spinal segments in these patients spanned from T8 to S1.fourteen patients were treated with posterior surgical procedure alone while the other 4 were treated with one-stage combined anterior-posterior surgery.Combined with autogenous bone,OSTEOSET RBK drug carrier-type artificial bone mixed with isoniazid and streptomycin was used after debridement.Chlinical parameters including clinical symptoms,laboratory results,and imaging data were evaluated during follow-up.Results Incisions of all patients achieved primary healing.The duration of patient follow-up ranged from 29 to 56 months (average,39.5months).No liver and kidney function abnormalities,ototoxicity,or local nerve irritations were found perioperatively.Improvements in clinical symptoms were observed in all patients.One patient with L2a tuberculosis recurred 18 months after the initial surgery.At 6-month follow-up,intervertebral body fusion was achieved without complications of internal fixation or significant angle loss of kyphosis correction.Conclusion OSTEOSET RBK dmg carrier-type artificial bone mixed with isoniazid,streptomycin for treatment of thoracic and lumbar spine tuberculosis is a safe and effective way to control local infection and recurrence.Combined with autologous bone could contribute to bone fusion. Key words: Thoracic vertebrae; Lumbar vertebrae; Tuberculosis, Spinal; Bone substitutes

Treatment of thoracic and lumbar spinal tuberculosis via posterior paraspinal muscle gap approach

Objective To explore the feasibility and assess the efficacy of posterior paraspinal muscle gap approach in the treatment of thoracic and lumbar spinal tuberculosis.Methods From June 2009 to June 2013,a total of 29 patients were analyzed retrospectively.There were 2 patients of tuberculosis T8,9,6 of T9,10,8 of L1,2,10 of L2,3,and 3 of L4,5.The patients included 12cases of male,17 cases of female; the age ranged from 28 to 53 years,with a mean of 40.78 years.Nine patients had preoperative kyphosis deformity,and Cobb angle ranged from 19° to 39° (mean,29.67°).Two patients complained with paraplegia with Frankel grade C.All patients had preoperative standardized oral isoniazid,rifampicin,pyrazinamide border,ethambutol,glucuronolactone for 2-4 weeks.All patients underwent one-stage posterior paraspinal muscle gap approach fixation,rectification,debridement and autograft bone fusion.The clinical effects were observed by the time and blood loss in operation,blood loss after operation; the score of visual analogue scale (VAS) one week after operation and the last follow-up,the time erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) drop to normal after operation,the change of cobb angle,the improvement of the neurological symptom,the situation of the bone fusion.Results Operation time was 3-4 h,with an average of 3.3 h; operative blood loss was 300-600 ml,with an average of 434 ml.Drainage volumn was 250-450 ml after surgery with an average of 340 ml.All patients were followed up for 6 to 36 months with an average of 16.56 months.There was no recurrence,sinus formation or internal fixation failure,and all patients obtained successful bony fusion.The mean time ESR drop to normal range after operation was 4.22 months.One patient of the two with Frankel grade C pre-operation turn to grade D,the other grade E.The Cobb angle was 10.33° (9°-12°) immediately after operation,and 12.22° (11°-14°) at the final follow-up.Conclusion Posterior paraspinal muscle gap approach surgeries is feasible and effective in the treatment of thoracic and lumbar spinal tuberculosis. Key words: Thoracic vertebrae; Lumbar vertebrae; Tuberculosis, Spinal

Minimally Invasive Surgical Approaches in the Management of Tuberculosis of the Thoracic and Lumbar Spine

Spinal tuberculosis is the most common form of skeletal tuberculosis. Various approaches have been described for surgical management of spinal tuberculosis, but many entail wide exposures with attendant morbidity; whether minimally invasive surgical (MIS) approaches are suitable is unknown. We evaluated (1) neurologic results, (2) radiographic results, and (3) complications in patients with thoracic and lumbar spinal tuberculosis treated with two MIS approaches. We retrospectively evaluated 22 patients with thoracic and lumbar tuberculosis managed surgically from October 2008 to February 2011 using MIS methods; one patient was lost to followup, leaving 21 patients with a minimum followup of 15 months (mean, 30 months; range, 15-59 months) for analysis. MIS approaches were used for patients with disease below D6 and minimum pedicle diameters of 4.5 mm to permit percutaneous screw placement. The MIS approach was divided into two groups depending on the extent of destruction of the vertebral body: a posterior-only group (n = 9), where posterior transpedicular decompression sufficed, and the hybrid group (n = 12), requiring anterior débridement and ventral-column reconstruction by conventional or mini-open thoracotomy. All but two patients with more than two contiguous bodies involvement underwent MIS posterior fixation by percutaneous transpedicular screws. Plain radiographs were evaluated for deformity correction and correction maintenance. Neurologic recovery and complications were ascertained by chart review. All patients with neurologic deficits recovered completely with no motor deficits at followup; 13% improved by three grades, 53% by two grades, and 33% by one grade. Mean correction was 2.5° (thoracic) and 8° (lumbar) in the posterior-only group and 4.2° in the hybrid group. Some correction loss occurred with healing (2° and 1.6° in the posterior-only and hybrid groups, respectively), but in none of those who had fixation did this progress to more than preoperative status. Two of 22 patients (9%) had complications. One had a malposition of L5 screw causing painful radiculopathy without motor deficit and required repositioning. The other had an intraoperative dural tear repaired by onlay fascial patch and cerebrospinal fluid diversion. There were no approach-related complications, neurologic deterioration, or implant fatigue at last followup. We found evidence of neurologic recovery, avoidance of deformity progression, and few complications with these MIS approaches. Comparative trials are called for between open and MIS approaches for patients with spinal tuberculosis. Level IV, therapeutic study. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

One-Stage Posterior Debridement and Transpedicular Screw Fixation for Treating Monosegmental Thoracic and Lumbar Spinal Tuberculosis in Adults

Spinal tuberculosis is still prevalent in some developing countries. The purpose of this study is to investigate the efficacy and safety of one-stage posterior debridement, autogenous bone grafting, and transpedicular screw fixation in treating monosegmental thoracic and lumbar tuberculosis in adults. 37 patients were retrospectively reviewed in this study. The data of images, operative time and blood loss volume, perioperative complications, time to achieve bony fusion, VAS score, and neurologic function preoperatively and postoperatively were collected. The mean follow-up period was 21.5 ± 3.5 months. The tuberculosis was cured after surgery in all patients, and no recurrence was observed. Bony fusion was achieved in all patients with a mean time of 5.6 ± 2.5 months. Neurological outcome did not change in one case with grade A, and increased by 1–3 grades in the other patients with nerve deficit. The average preoperative and postoperative VAS scores were 5.5 ± 2.23 and 1.5 ± 1.22, respectively; the difference was significant (P < 0.05). There were three perioperative complications (8.1%, 3/37) observed in this study. In conclusion, the procedure of one-stage posterior debridement, interbody fusion with autogenous bone grafting, and posterior fixation with pedicle screw is effective and safe for treating monosegmental thoracic and lumbar spinal tuberculosis in adults.