One-stage anterior focus debridement, interbody graft using titamium mesh cages, and anterior instrumentation and fusion in the surgical treatment of short segment thoracic tuberculosis with paraplegia

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of primary anterior debridement, bone graft fusion and internal fixation in the treatment of short segmental thoracic tuberculosis with paraplegia.Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of 16 adult patients with short segment thoracic spinal TB with paraplegia who underwent surgery between September 2013 to March 2017. All the 16 patients were treated using a single primary anterior debridement, bone graft fusion and internal fixation. Clinical manifestations, laboratory, neurological symptoms,bone fusion and imaging results were subjected to statistical analysis.Results All patients underwent operation successfully. The preoperative ESR and CRP level of all patients were 72.6 ± 27.5 mm/h and 75.7 ± 25.9 mg/L, which decreased to 15.9 ± 4.6 mm/h and 4.7 ± 2.0 mg/L at the final follow-up, respectively. The preoperative thoracic kyphosis angle were 30.7 ± 7.1°respectively. The corresponding postoperative angles were ameliorated significantly to 9.1 ±1.9°. During the follow-up, spinal paraplegia was significantly improved in all patients.The symptoms of chest and back pain were alleviated and disappeared at 1–6 months postoperatively.Patients were followed up for 24–48months (average, 35.6 ±9.6 months). Among 16 patients, no recurrence, and bone fusion was achieved at the final follow-up.Conclusion The clinical results of primary anterior debridement, bone graft fusion and internal fixation in the treatment of segmental thoracic tuberculosis with paraplegia were satisfactory.