[Debridement and bone grafting with internal fixation via anterior approach for the treatment of tuberculosis of lower cervical vertebrae].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical effects of debridement and bone grafting with internal fixation via anterior approach in treatment of tuberculosis of lower cervical vertebrae. METHODS: . Pre- and post-operative neurologic functions were evaluated by ASIA grade. All the patients underwent the X-ray films of positive and lateral of cervical spine before and after the operation and accepted the periodic review of CT to evaluate the bone grafting. RESULTS: All the 15 operations were successful, no neurological or vascular injury occurred during the operation, and all patients were followed up for 18 to 52 months. The clinical symptoms improved significantly during the follow-up period and CT showed good bone grafting fusion. One patient suffered a relapse of the illness 3 years later, but was healed during the follow-up visit by strengthening the anti tuberculosis therapy. CONCLUSION: For the patients with vertebral destruction and loss of cervical stability, one-stage debridement and bone grafting with internal fixation via anterior approach has definite curative effects. On the basis of standard anti tuberculosis treatment before operation, the long-term standard anti-tuberculosis treatment after operation is the key to healing the tuberculosis of lower cervical vertebrae.