Posterior internal fixation combined anterior debridement by endoscopy and interbndy autografting for children with spinal tuberculosis

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and clinical outcomes of posterior internal fixa- tion and anterior debridement by endoscopy and autografting for the treatment of children with spinal tuberculosis.Methods Between January 1998 and March 2004,20 cases with spinal tuberculosis were treated with the procedure of posterior internal fixation and anterior debridement by endoscopy and au- tografting.There were 13 males and 7 females with an average of 11.6 years (8 - 13 years).The lev- els of the lesion were 13 cases with one vertebrae.7 cases with two vertebraes.All patients were given appropriate chemotherapy for 4 - 12 weeks before operation and 12 - 15 months after operation.All patients were followed up by the evaluation of tbe changes of kyphotic deformity.Results All cases were followed up with an average of 37.3 months (ranged 12 to 48 months).The wound were healed without chronic infection,sinus formation or anterior solid fusion between vertebrae.Patients with kyphotic deformity had an average of correction of 28.6°±9.9°postoperatively,and 27.1°±7.9°dur- ing follow-up.Eleven cases with neurological deficits bad an improvement of neurological function postoperatively.Conclusions The procedure of anterior debridemcnt by endoscopy and interhody au- tografting can achieve satisfactory results for children with spinal tuberculosis.