One-stage anterior debridement,allografts and internal fixation for leaping tuberculosis of lumbar vertebrae

[Objective]To assess the efficacy of one-stage allograft fusion and anterior spinal stabilization as an alternative treatment of lumbar leaping tuberculosis.[Methods]Eight patients with lumbar leaping tuberculosis underwent anterior route decompression and fusion.Combined chemotherapy was delivered to each patient at least three weeks before operation.There were 5 men and 3 women ranging in age from 21 to 62 years(average,37.2 years).The involved area included L1 and L3 in 2 patient,L1、2and L4 in 3 patient,L2、3and L5 in 1 patient,L2 and L5 in 2 patients.There were 1 patient with Frankel Grade B,2 with Grade C,1 with Grade D and 4 with Grade E.The kyphosis angle ranged from 5°～40°(average 21.5°).The patients were followed up for 12～24 months.[Results]The patients folerated operation well.The operation time were 120～180 min and the bleeding during operation were 400～900 ml.After surgery,pain reliefed in all patients.One patient in Grade B improved to Grade C,1 patient in Grade C improved to Grade D,1 patient in Grade C improved to Grade E,1 patients in Grade D improved to Grade E.The mean angle of kyphosis correction were 5°～20°(average angle:12.5°).There was no postoperative complication.During the follow-up period,all cases healed without any recurrence.There was no breakage of nails or fall of the internal fixation.Spinal fusion occurred after 4～7 months(average 5.3 months) after operation.[Conclusion]Lumbar leaping tuberculosis treated with this surgical technique can achieve a high satisfactory rate with advantages of restoring the spinal stability,providing early fusion,preventing and correcting progression of the kyphosis.