Treatment Of Thoracic Spinal Tuberculosis Research Articles

Debridement and Bone Graft Fusion via the Lateral Extracavitary Approach Combined with Lateral and Posterior Screw-rod Fixation in the Treatment of Thoracic Spinal Tuberculosis: A Retrospective Study of 38 Cases

ObjectivesThoracic spinal tuberculosis (TB) is still common, and surgical treatment can rapidly relieve pain, correct deformity, reduce bone loss and prevent further damage to neurological function. We have practiced an efficient and safe surgical method. MethodsFrom January 2013 to April 2021, 38 patients with thoracic spinal TB were included in our study. Debridement and bone grafting were performed via the lateral extracavitary approach, combined with two different fixation methods. Data from these cases were analyzed retrospectively. ResultsFor all cases, the C-reactive protein (CRP) level and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) of all the patients decreased to normal levels at the last follow-up. The average visual analog scale (VAS) score was 7.5±1.6 preoperatively and 0.6±0.8 at the last follow-up, showing a significant reduction. The average angle of kyphosis correction was 6.3±4.7°, and the loss of correction was 1.4±1.6°. Neurological function was significantly improved in all cases according to the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) classification. Solid fusion was observed in all cases at the last follow-up. ConclusionsDebridement and bone graft fusion via the lateral extracavitary approach combined with two fixation methods can be very effective in the treatment of thoracic spinal TB.

One-stage posterior transpedicular debridement, hemi-interbody and unilateral-posterior bone grafting, and instrumentation for the treatment of thoracic spinal tuberculosis: a retrospective study.

To investigate the clinical efficacy and feasibility of the surgical treatment of thoracic spinal tuberculosis using one-stage posterior instrumentation, transpedicular debridement, and hemi-interbody and unilateral posterior bone grafting. Fifty-six patients with thoracic spinal tuberculosis who underwent surgery performed by a single surgeon between September 2009 and August 2020 were enrolled in this study. Based on data from the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and Cobb angle before surgery, after surgery, and at the most recent follow-up, clinical effectiveness was assessed using statistical analysis. The variables investigated included operating time, blood loss, complications, neurological function, and hemi-interbody fusion. None of the patients experienced significant surgery-associated complications. At the last follow-up, 23 of the 25 patients (92%) with neurological impairment showed improvement. The thoracic kyphotic angle was significantly decreased from 24.1 ± 9.9° to 13.4 ± 8.6° after operation (P < 0.05), and the angle was 14.44 ± 8.8° at final follow-up (P < 0.05). The Visual Analog Scale significantly decreased from 6.7 ± 1.4 preoperatively to 2.3 ± 0.8 postoperatively (P < 0.05) and finally to 1.2 ± 0.7 at the last follow-up (P < 0.05). Bone fusion was confirmed in 56 patients at 3-6 months postoperatively. One-stage posterior transpedicular debridement, hemi-interbody and unilateral posterior bone grafting, and instrumentation are effective and feasible treatment methods for thoracic spinal tuberculosis.

Treatment of Thoracic Tuberculosis Through Posterior Costal Transverse Joint Window: A Clinical Study

BackgroundThe surgical treatment of thoracic spinal tuberculosis has garnered enormous interest from researchers towards the development of posterior surgical techniques that have contributed to greater use of the one-stage posterior approach. This study aims to demonstrate the initial clinical experience of a modified total posterior approach, in which the one-stage posterior approach preserves the posterior spinal column structure by combining with the endoprosthetic implant fusion for thoracic spinal tuberculosis. MethodsIn this clinical study, we intended to report the initial idea of a modified total posterior approach. In detail, a one-stage posterior approach was applied to preserve the posterior spinal column structure that could be applied to clinical practice. ResultsThe employed practical procedure presented a reduced duration of surgical intervention and intraoperative trauma. Nevertheless, further studies with large samples and multiple centers are required to explore the idea comprehensively. ConclusionsThis approach offered some advantages in terms of intraoperative exposure, blood loss volume, and length of surgery. Further, multi-center studies with large samples are needed to understand the precise effects and implications of the approach.

Efficacy analysis of one-stage posterior-only surgical treatment for thoracic spinal tuberculosis in the T4\u20136 segments with minimum 5-year follow-up

In recent years, with the in-depth research on spinal tuberculosis, posterior surgery alone has been praised highly by more and more surgeons due to the better correction of kyphosis, better maintenance of spinal physiological curvature, smaller surgical trauma and fewer surgical complications. However, there is currently lack of relevant reports about the efficacy of posterior surgery alone in the treatment of tuberculosis in the T4–6 segments. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical study efficacy and feasibility of one-stage posterior-only surgical treatment for thoracic spinal tuberculosis in the T4–6 segments. 67 patients with tuberculosis in T4–6 segments who underwent one-stage posterior-only surgery were included in this study. The clinical efficacy was evaluated using statistical analysis based on the data about erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), Oswestry Dability Index (ODI) score, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score and Cobb angle before surgery, after surgery and at the last follow-up. All patients completed fusion during the follow-up period of 6–9 months. ESR and CRP were returned to normal for all patients at 6 months follow-up. In the meanwhile, among the 27 patients combined with neurological impairment, neurological functions of 22 cases (81.48%) recovered completely at the last follow-up (P < 0.05). Cobb angle of the kyphosis was improved from preoperative 34.8 ± 10.9° to postoperative 9.6 ± 2.8°, maintaining at 11.3 ± 3.2° at the last follow-up, The ODI and VAS scores were improved by 77.10% and 81.70%, respectively. This 5-year follow-up study shows that better clinical efficacy can be achieved for tuberculosis in T4–6 segments using one-stage posterior-only approach by costotransverse debridement in combination with bone graft and internal fixation. The posterior surgical method cannot only effectively accomplish debridement, obtain satisfactory clinical results, but also well correct kyphotic deformity and maintain it.

The efficacy of single posterior debridement, bone grafting and instrumentation for the treatment of thoracic spinal tuberculosis

The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical efficacy of single posterior debridement, bone grafting and instrumentation for the treatment of thoracic spinal tuberculosis in adult patients. A retrospective analysis was conducted between June 2013 and September 2017of 88 adult patients with thoracic spinal tuberculosis. All patients were treated with single posterior debridement, bone grafting and instrumentation. The clinical manifestations and laboratory and imageological results were subsequently analysed. All patients were followed for 40.6 ± 4.1 months (range, 36–48 m). Bony fusion was achieved in all bone grafts of thoracic vertebrae. The visual analogue scale scores, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein levels 6 weeks after surgery and at the final follow up were significantly lower than the preoperative levels (P < 0.05). The postoperative and final follow up kyphosis angles were both significantly smaller than the preoperative kyphosis angles (P < 0.05). The postoperative angle correction rate reached 81.5% and the postoperative angle loss reached only 4.1%. At the last follow up, American Spinal Injury Association improvement was significant, compared with the preoperative levels (P < 0.05). The single posterior approach can achieve satisfactory clinical outcomes in the treatment of thoracic spinal tuberculosis.

Biomechanical Evaluation and the Assisted 3D Printed Model in the Patient-Specific Preoperative Planning for Thoracic Spinal Tuberculosis: A Finite Element Analysis.

Posterior fixation is superior to anterior fixation in the correction of kyphosis and maintenance of spinal stability for the treatment of thoracic spinal tuberculosis. However, the process of selecting the appropriate spinal fixation method remains controversial, and preoperative biomechanical evaluation has not yet been investigated. In this study, we aimed to analyze the application of the assisted finite element analysis (FEA) and the three-dimensional (3D) printed model for the patient-specific preoperative planning of thoracic spinal tuberculosis. An adult patient with thoracic spinal tuberculosis was included. A finite element model of the T7−T11 thoracic spine segments was reconstructed to analyze the biomechanical effect of four different operative constructs. The von Mises stress values of the implants in the vertical axial load and flexion and extension conditions under a 400-N vertical axial pre-load and a 10-N⋅m moment were calculated and compared. A 3D printed model was used to describe and elucidate the patient’s condition and simulate the optimal surgical design. According to the biomechanical evaluation, the patient-specific preoperative surgical design was prepared for implementation. The anterior column, which was reconstructed with titanium alloy mesh and a bone graft with posterior fixation using seven pedicle screws (M+P) and performed at the T7–T11 level, decreased the von Mises stress placed on the right rod, T7 pedicle screw, and T11 pedicle. Moreover, the M+P evaded the left T9 screw without load bearing. The 3D printed model and preoperative surgical simulation enhanced the understanding of the patient’s condition and facilitated patient-specific preoperative planning. Good clinical results, including no complication of implants, negligible loss of the Cobb angle, and good bone fusion, were achieved using the M+P surgical design. In conclusion, M+P was recommended as the optimal method for preoperative planning since it enabled the preservation of the normal vertebra and prevented unnecessary internal fixation. Our study indicated that FEA and the assisted 3D printed model are tools that could be extremely useful and effective in the patient-specific preoperative planning for thoracic spinal tuberculosis, which can facilitate preoperative surgical simulation and biomechanical evaluation, as well as improve the understanding of the patient’s condition.

Efficacy of surgery via the single anterior and single posterior approaches for treatment of thoracic spinal tuberculosis.

ObjectiveThe type of surgical treatment that should be adopted for thoracic tuberculosis (TB) remains controversial. This study was performed to compare the clinical efficacy of surgery via the single anterior and single posterior approaches for treatment of thoracic spinal TB.MethodsSeventy-eight patients with thoracic TB undergoing surgical treatment were divided into two groups on the basis of the surgical methods employed: Group A (single anterior debridement + bone graft fusion and internal fixation) and Group B (single posterior debridement + bone graft fusion and internal fixation). Results of clinical and imaging examinations were analysed and compared between the two groups.ResultsThe surgical duration and mean hospital stay were significantly longer and the perioperative bleeding volume was significantly higher in Group A than B. At the last follow-up, changes in the American Spinal Injury Association grade showed no obvious differences between the two groups. Before and after the surgery and at the last follow-up, no significant differences were detected in the Cobb angle change or correction rate between the two groups.ConclusionSurgery via the single anterior and single posterior approaches achieved good clinical efficacy in the treatment of thoracic spinal TB.

One-Stage Debridement and Bone Grafting With Internal Fixation via Posterior Approach for Treatment of Thoracic Spine Tuberculosis

The study aimed to investigate the clinical efficacy and feasibility of one-stage surgical treatment for thoracic spinal tuberculosis by internal fixation, debridement, and combined interbody and posterior fusion via a posterior-only approach. A total of 12 patients (8 male, 4 female) with thoracic tuberculosis whose lesions were confined to 2 adjacent segments were admitted to our hospital. The American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) impairment scale was used to assess neurologic function. All patients were treated with one-stage surgical treatment by internal fixation, debridement, and combined interbody and posterior fusion via a posterior-only approach. Patients were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively by measurement of thoracic kyphotic angles using Cobb angle evaluation, determination of erythrocyte sedimentation rate, evaluation of ASIA impairment scale, and radiologic examination. Operation time ranged from 60 to 150 minutes (average, 120 minutes). Intraoperative blood loss ranged from 300 to 850 mL (average, 500 mL). All patients were followed up for 24 to 48 months postoperatively (average, 32 months). No sinus tract formation, cerebrospinal meningitis, or recurrence of tuberculosis occurred. All patients had significant postoperative improvement in ASIA classification scores. The thoracic kyphotic angles were significantly decreased to 12° to 30° postoperatively, and at final follow-up were 14° to 28°. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate recovered to normal within 6 months postoperatively in all patients. Bone fusion was achieved within 3 to 6 months (average, 5 months). One-stage surgical treatment for thoracic spinal tuberculosis by internal fixation, debridement, and combined interbody and posterior fusion via a posterior-only approach can be an effective and feasible treatment method.

Effect of surgical timing on effectiveness of thoracic spinal tuberculosis with myelopathy

To explore the feasibility of posterior debridement, decompression, bone grafting, and fixation in treatment of thoracic spinal tuberculosis with myelopathy, and investigate the effects of surgical timing on postoperative outcomes. The clinical data of 26 patients with thoracic spinal tuberculosis with myelopathy between August 2012 and October 2015 was retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent posterior unilateral transpedicular debridement, decompression, bone grafting, and fixation and were divided into two groups according to surgical timing. Group A included 11 patients with neurological dysfunction lasting less than 3 months; group B included 15 patients with neurological dysfunction lasting more than 3 months. No significant difference was found between the two groups in gender, age, involved segments, preoperative erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), Cobb angle of involved segment, and preoperative American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) classification ( P>0.05). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, hospitalization stay, perioperative complications, and bone fusion time were recorded and compared between the two groups. The change of pre- and post-operative Cobb angle of involved segments was calculated. Neurological function was assessed according to ASIA classification. All patients were followed up 25-60 months (mean, 41.6 months). No cerebrospinal fluid leakage occurred intra- and post-operation. The hospitalization stay and perioperative complications in group A were significantly less than those of group B ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and bone fusion time between the two groups ( P>0.05). At last follow-up, there was no significant difference in ESR and CRP between groups A and B ( P>0.05), but they were all significantly lower than those before operation ( P<0.05). In group A, 1 patient with T 6, 7 tuberculosis developed sinus that healed after dressing; the implants were removed at 20 months with bony union and no recurrence was found after 36 months of follow-up. One patient with T 4, 5 tuberculosis in group B underwent revision because of recurrence and distal junctional kyphosis of the thoracic spine at 26 months after operation. There was no internal fixation-related complications or tuberculosis recurrence occurred in the remaining patients. At last follow-up, the Cobb angles in the two groups significantly improved compared with those before operation ( P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in the Cobb angle and correction degree between the two groups ( P>0.05). At last follow-up, the ASIA classification of spinal cord function was grade C in 1 case and grade E in 10 cases in group A, and grade D in 2 cases and grade E in 13 cases in group B; the ASIA classification results in the two groups significantly improved compared with preoperative ones ( P<0.05), but no significant difference was found between the two groups ( Z=-0.234, P=1.000). Posterior unilateral transpedicular debridement, decompression, bone grafting, and fixation is effective in treatment of thoracic spinal tuberculosis with myelopathy. Early surgery can reduce the hospitalization stays and incidence of perioperative complications.

Posterolateral decompression, bone graft fusion, posterior instrumentation, and local continuous chemotherapy in the surgical treatment of thoracic spinal tuberculosis.

To investigate the clinical efficacy of surgical treatment for thoracic spinal tuberculosis with kyphosis deformity via posterolateral debridement, fusion, posterior instrumentation and local continuous chemotherapy. A total of 25 patients with thoracic tuberculosis received surgery by posterolateral decompression, fusion, posterior instrumentation, and postural drainage with local continuous chemotherapy between June 2009 and October 2011. The clinical outcomes was evaluated using statistical analysis about deformity correction, bone fusion, neurologic status, and the visual analog score (VAS) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). All of 25 patients were followed up for 39.0 ± 10.7 months (range, 24–60 months) postoperatively. There was no recurrence of tuberculosis, breakage and looseness of internal fixation. Bony fusion was achieved in all cases with 6.7 ± 1.9 months. The values of ESR recovered to normal within 6 months postoperatively. All patients with neurological deficit had significant improvement at the final follow-up. The average preoperative Cobb angles were significantly decreased to 12.2 ± 2.9° (range, 8–17°) postoperatively, and at final follow-up were 12.9 ± 2.7°. Our results showed that single-stage posterolateral debridement fusion, posterior instrumentation and local continuous chemotherapy can be expected to yield satisfactory clinical and radiographic outcomes in patients with thoracic spinal tuberculosis.

Clinical Effectiveness of the Posterior Affected-Vertebrae Fixation Method in Posterior-Anterior Surgery to Treat Thoracic Spinal Tuberculosis

The present retrospective comparative analysis was conducted to assess the effectiveness of affected-vertebrae fixation versus short-segment fixation to treat thoracic spinal tuberculosis. The present study included 110 patients receiving treatment for thoracic spinal tuberculosis at our hospital from January 2006 to June 2013. All cases involved the use of posterior spinal correction, posterior lateral fusion, internal fixation, anterior decompression, radical debridement, and intervertebral supporting bone grafts. The cases were divided by the scope of posterior internal fixation into the affected-vertebrae fixation group (n= 62) and the short-segment fixation group (n= 48). Statistical analysis was used to compare the clinical effectiveness, laboratory test results, and imaging findings. The mean surgical blood loss, mean operating time, and mean inpatient expenditures were all significantly less in the affected-vertebrae fixation group than in the short-segment fixation group (P < 0.05). The affected-vertebrae fixation group had a lower mean graft fusion time (5.21 vs. 5.06 months), mean healing time (5.73 vs. 5.91 months), mean degree of correction of thoracic vertebrae kyphosis Cobb angle (16.9° vs. 18.4°), and mean loss of angle (2.6° vs. 2.1°) compared with the short-segment fixation group. However, these differences all lacked statistical significance. Postoperatively, neurological deficits and pain were effectively relieved in all patients, and the lesion had healed at the final follow-up evaluation (≥5 years postoperatively). As long as the surgical indications are strictly observed, posterior affected-vertebrae fixation in posterior-anterior surgery for thoracic spinal tuberculosis is safe, effective, and feasible; entails minimal surgical trauma; and has a lower inpatient cost.

Surgical Treatment of Thoracic Spinal Tuberculosis: A Multicenter Retrospective Study.

The aim of the present multicenter, retrospective study was to assess the safety and effectiveness of different surgery strategies for the treatment of thoracic tuberculosis and to provide a reference for surgical treatment of thoracic tuberculosis. This study reviewed 394 patients with thoracic tuberculosis who were treated in 6 institutions between January 2000 and January 2015. There were 208 men and 186 women with an average age of 34.92 ± 13.14 years (range 5-76 years). A total of 73 patients underwent one-stage anterior surgery (group A); 84 underwent an anterior combined posterior surgery (group B); and 237 underwent one-stage posterior surgery (group C). Clinical outcome, laboratory indexes, and radiologic results were analyzed to observe the advantage of posterior approach surgery. All cases were followed up for about 26-60 months (average of 37 months). At the last follow-up, all patients reached bone fusion, pain relief, and neurologic recovery. There were significant differences before and after treatment in terms of the visual analog scale and Oswestry Disability Index scores (P < 0.05). Posterior approach significantly improved kyphosis (P < 0.05). Posterior fixation is superior to anterior fixation in the correction of kyphosis and maintenance of spinal stability. One-stage posterior surgery can achieve the same efficacy as anterior-only or combined surgery, with less trauma, less blood loss, and shorter operative times. However, for wide lesions or paraspinal abscesses, severe bone destruction, and anterior and middle column defects that are too large after debridement to require long segment bone grafting, the anterior combined posterior approach is indispensable.

Surgical treatment for thoracic spinal tuberculosis with intraspinal abscesses by unilateral vertebral lamina limited decompression via posterior-only approach

To investigate the clinical efficacy and feasibility of surgical treatment for thoracic spinal tuberculosis with intraspinal abscesses by internal fixation, unilateral vertebral lamina limited decompression, debridement, together with interbody and posterior fusion via a posterior only approach. A total of 37 pantients (24 males and 13 females) with thoracic spinal tuberculosis complicated with intraspinal abscess lesions were admitted to our hospital, with age 13-68(39.7 ± 9.1) years old. Spinal lesions of segmental kyphosis Cobb angle was 8°-62° (29.6° ± 3.6°). Frankel grade system was used to assess neurological function. According to the system, there were 3, 7, 19 and 8 cases for grade B, C, D and E, respectively. All 37 cases were treated with internal fixation, unilateral vertebral lamina limited decompression, debridement, together with interbody and posterior fusion via a posterior only approach. The mean duration for follow-up was 24-90 (53.0 ± 15.7) months. Intraoperative dural tear occurred in 1 cases with cerebrospinal fluid leakage after operation; 2 cases showed postoperative neurological complications; delayed wound healing occurred in 2 cases. The postoperative kyphotic angle was 5°-21° (8.3° ± 1.3°). The kyphotic angle was 8°-26° (10.1° ± 1.9°) at the last follow-up. By the time of the last follow-up, all patients with preoperative neurological symptoms improved at different degree. According to Frankel classification, 2 cases recovered from grade B to D, 1 case from grade B to E, 3 cases from grade C to D, 4 cases from grade C to E, 13 cases from grade D to E. No failure in fixation and pseudarthrosis. All patients obtained satisfactory bone graft fusion. Posterior internal fixation, unilateral vertebral lamina limited decompression, debridement, together with interbody and posterior fusion might be a effective and feasible method for treatment of thoracic spinal tuberculosis with intraspinal abscess lesions.

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

Surgical treatment of thoracic spinal tuberculosis with adjacent segments lesion via one-stage transpedicular debridement, posterior instrumentation and combined interbody and posterior fusion, a clinical study

To investigate the clinical efficacy and feasibility of one-stage surgical treatment for thoracic spinal tuberculosis with adjacent segments lesion by internal fixation, transpedicular debridement, and combined interbody and posterior fusion via a posterior-only approach. Twenty-one patients (thirteen males, eight females) with thoracic tuberculosis whose lesions were confined to two adjacent segments were studied retrospectively. All patients were treated with one-stage surgical treatment by internal fixation, transpedicular debridement, and combined interbody and posterior fusion via a posterior-only approach. The American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) impairment scale was used to assess neurological function. Thoracic Cobb angle was used to assess thoracic kyphosis. Operating time, blood loss, complications, neurological function, deformity correction and interbody fusion were investigated. Average mean operating time was 231.4±31.9min, and evaluated blood loss during operation was 880.2±112.7ml. All patients were followed up for 22-41months postoperatively (average 29.8±5.4months). All patients had significant postoperative improvement in ASIA classification scores. The thoracic kyphotic angles were significantly decreased to 9°-25° postoperatively (average 16.7°±4.4°), and at final follow-up were 10°-27°(average 17.7°±4.4°). No severe complications or spinal cord injury occurred. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate recovered to normal within 3months postoperatively in all patients. All patients got bony fusion within 6-9months after surgery. One-stage transpedicular debridement, posterior instrumentation and combined interbody and posterior fusion via a posterior-only approach can be an effective and feasible treatment method for thoracic spinal tuberculosis.

The operative option and therapeutic effect in the treatment of multiple-level contiguous thoracic spinal tuberculosis

Objective To investigate operative approach,immobilization manner,and surgical effect of multiple-level contiguous thoracic spinal tuberculosis.Methods Between January 2001 and December 2010,112 patients with thoracic spinal tuberculosis were treated with 5 different surgical procedures.Among them,81 adults with multiple-level contiguous thoracic spinal tuberculosis were followed up for 17 to 75 months (average,39 months).Twenty three patients suffered from spinal cord dysfunction; according to the Frankel classification,there were 3 cases of type A,4 cases of type B,7 cases of type C,and 9 cases of type D.The double vertebral bodies were commonly affected areas,especially T10 and T11-Results Local symptoms of all patients were relieved significantly 1 to 3 weeks postoperatively.Erythrocyte sedimentation rates (ESR) returned to normal level in all patients 8 to 12 weeks postoperatively.Three sinuses were found 0.5 month,1 month and 1.5 months postoperatively,respectively,which were cured by changing dressing for 1 to 2 months.The average correction of kyphotic deformity was 10.2°±2.1° in anterior fixation group,while 12.6°±2.7° in posterior fixation group.At final follow-up,the average loss of correction was 6.9°±1.9° in anterior fixation group,while 5.8°±1.4° in posterior fixation group.At least one Frankel grade improvement was observed in 23 patients.Conclusion The surgical methods should be chosen according to the location and degree of the lesion.Correct surgical procedures can obtain good results in correction and maintenance of the deformity,clearance of the foci,decompression of the spinal cord and pain relief for thoracic spinal tuberculosis.The posterior fixation is better than the anterior fixation with regard to correction and maintenance of the kyphotic deformity. Key words: Thoracic vertebrae; Tuberculosis, spinal; Spinal fusion

Surgical management for thoracic spinal tuberculosis in the elderly: posterior only versus combined posterior and anterior approaches

To compare the clinical outcomes of surgical management by posterior only and combined posterior and anterior approaches for thoracic spinal tuberculosis in the elderly. This was a retrospective cohort study. Thirty-six cases of thoracic spinal tuberculosis treated by two different surgical procedures in our center from January 2004 to June 2009 were studied. All the cases were divided into two groups: 20 cases in Group A underwent single-stage posterior debridement, transforaminal fusion and instrumentation, and 16 cases in Group B underwent posterior instrumentation, anterior debridement and bone graft in a single- or two-stage procedure. The operation time, blood loss, correction rate, recovery of neurological function, fusion time and complications were, respectively, compared between Group A and Group B. All patients were followed up for an average of 35.1±5.8months (range 26-45months). It was obviously that the average operative duration, blood loss, hospitalization and complication rate of Group A was less than those of Group B. Spinal tuberculosis was completely cured and the grafted bones were fused in 10months in all patients. There was no persistence or recurrence of infection and no differences in the radiological results in both groups. The kyphosis was significantly corrected after surgical management. However, loss of correction also occurred in both groups. Our study showed that the posterior approach only procedure obtained better clinical outcomes than combined posterior and anterior surgeries. It might be a better surgical treatment for thoracic spinal tuberculosis in aged patients with poor health status, especially for cases in early phase of bone destruction and/or mild and moderate kyphosis.

Anterior debridement and reconstruction via thoracoscopy-assisted mini-open approach for the treatment of thoracic spinal tuberculosis: minimum 5-year follow-up

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) has been developed for surgical treatment of thoracic spinal tuberculosis to overcome the problems associated with a formal thoracotomy. VATS, however, is technically demanding with a difficult learning curve. We conducted a retrospective long-term follow-up study of anterior debridement and reconstruction via a thoracoscopy-assisted mini-open approach for the surgical treatment of thoracic spinal tuberculosis. There were 50 patients collected with mean age 38.3 years with thoracic spinal tuberculosis. The average operative time was 210 min (range 170-300 min), the average blood loss during operation was 550 ml (range 300-1,000 ml), and the mean chest drainage duration was 3.5 days (3-5 days). Complications occurred in 17 patients (34%). The mean follow-up was 6.5 years. There was statistically difference in VAS 3 months after surgery compared to preoperatively (P<0.001), as well as final follow-up compared to 3 months post-op (P<0.001). In patients with minor pulmonary impairment as measured by pulmonary function testing, 15 improved to normal and 5 had no change. In patients with moderate pulmonary impairment, 6 improved to normal and 2 improved to minor impairment at final follow-up. Neurological improvement of one to three grades had occurred in 26 patients by final follow-up. There was statistically difference in kyphotic angle 3 months after surgery compared to preoperatively (P<0.05), as well as final follow-up compared to 3 months post-op (P<0.001). The average correction rate of kyphotic angle was 38.7% and the loss of correction rate was 1.3% at final follow-up. No recurrent tuberculosis was found. Thoracoscopy-assisted mini-open approach can provide a simple, safe, and practical treatment option with minimal invasiveness in cases of thoracic spinal tuberculosis. Successful clinical and radiographic outcomes can be achieved via anterior debridement and reconstruction at long-term follow-up.

Anterior radical debridement and reconstruction using titanium mesh cage for the surgical treatment of thoracic and thoracolumbar spinal tuberculosis: minimium five-year follow-up.

To evaluate the long-term outcomes for the surgical treatment of thoracic and thoracolumbar spinal tuberculosis with anterior radical debridement and reconstruction with titanium mesh cages (TMCs). 69 patients with thoracic and thoracolumbar spinal tuberculosis were retrospectively analyzed. Outcomes data included VAS back pain, subjective clinical results, and radiographic data. All patients had resolution of their infections, obtained solid bony fusions without failure of fixation, experienced improvement of neurological function, and improved in their VAS back pain scores at final long-term follow-up. In the thoracic spine group, 92.3% of patients had good or excellent subjective clinical results. The loss of kyphotic angle correction and intervertebral height was 9.6% and 3.8%, respectively. In the thoracolumbar spine group, 93.3% of patients had good or excellent subjective clinical results. The loss of kyphotic angle correction and intervertebral height was 12.8% and 4.2%, respectively. Anterior radical debridement and reconstruction using TMCs for the treatment of thoracic and thoracolumbar spinal tuberculosis is an acceptable treatment option. Solid bony fusion, good clinical outcomes as well as improvement of neurological function can be achieved although TMCs subsidence can occur.

Thoracoscopy‐assisted mini‐open surgery for anterior column reconstruction in thoracic spinal tuberculosis

To evaluate the clinical effects of thoracoscopy-assisted mini-open surgery for anterior column reconstruction in thoracic spinal tuberculosis. Fifty-eight patients, 35 men and 23 women, aged 39.2 (range, 19-60) years with thoracic spinal tuberculosis with an average kyphotic angle of 29.2° (range, 18°-42°) underwent thoracoscopy-assisted mini-open surgeries, including thorough debridement and anterior spinal reconstruction. According to the Frankel Grading system, preoperative neurological function was judged as Grade B in 3 cases, Grade C in 7, Grade D in 28, and Grade E in 20. All patients were followed up for an average of 4.6 years. Outcomes were evaluated retrospectively. Surgery was accomplished successfully in all cases. The average operation time was 230 min (range, 180-320 min), the average intraoperative blood loss 570 ml (range, 350-1200 ml), and the mean drainage duration 3.6 days (3-5 days). Complications occurred in 19 patients (32.8%). Neurological improvement of one to three grades had occurred in 29 patients by final follow-up. The average correction rate of the kyphotic angle was 36.4%, and no obvious correction loss was detected during follow-up. No recurrent tuberculosis was found in the group. Thoracoscopy-assisted mini-open surgery provides a simple, safe, effective, and practical technology with minimal invasiveness for the treatment of thoracic spinal tuberculosis.