Single-stage posterior debridement, interbody bone grafting and internal fixation in the treatment of thoracic and lumber spinal tuberculosis

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of single-stage posterior debridement,interbody bone grafting and internal fixation on thoracic and lumber spinal tuberculosis.Methods A total of 37 patients with thoracic or lumber spinal tuberculosis admitted in our department from April 2005to March 2010 were given single-stage posterior debridement,interbody bone grafting and internal fixation.The cases included 20 males and 17 females,the average age was 42.6 years (range 16 to 65 years),the preoperative and postoperative erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR),kyphosis angle,neural function status and graft fusion condition were recorded.Results All cases were followed-up,the average period was 26.3 months( range 12 to 62 months),no recurrence occurred,all cases got primary wound healing,the clinical symptoms of all the patients after operation were improved,the ESR returned to normal,bone fusion was obtained in all cases and neurological status were improved,the kyphosis angle were reduced after operation (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions On the basis of anti tuberculosis drugs,the single-stage posterior debridement,interbody bone grafting and internal fixation is an effective surgical procedure in the treatment of the limited lesions in thoracic and lumber spinal tuberculosis. Key words: Thoracic and lumber spinal;  Tuberculosis;  Posterior surgical procedure;  Internal fixation