Anterior debridement and autograft with internal fixation for tuberculosis lesion of the lower cervical spine.

[Objective]To assess the efficacy of autograft fusion and anterior spinal stabilization as an alternative treatment for tuberculosis lesion of the lower cervical spine. [Methods]Thirty patients with tuberculosis of the lower cervical spine underwent anterior decompression and fusion.There were 22 male and 8 female with the age from 24 to 58 years(mean age,37 years).The involved area included 2 vertebral bodies in 21 patients,3 vertebral bodies in 9 patients.Combined chemotherapy was delivered to each patient for at least three weeks preoperatively.There were 5 patients with Frankel Grade B,5 with Grade C,13 with Grade D and 7 with Grade E.The mean kyphosis angle were 12°.[Results]The patiets stood surgery well.The operation time was 70～100 min and the bleeding during operation was 50～150ml.There was no postoperative complication.All patients were followed up for 24～36 months.At the last follow-up visit,5 cases with Frankel Grade B improved to Grade D,3 cases with Grade C improved to Grade D,2 cases with Grade C improved to Grade E,13 cases with Grade D improved to Grade E.There was no breakage of nails or failure of the internal fixation during the follow up.Stable bone union was observed in all cases and the average time required for fusion were 6.5 months.[Conclusion]Anterior debridement and autograft with internal fixation is a safe and effective method for treatment of the lower cervical tuberculosis.