[Treatment of multi-segmental spinal tuberculosis by using focal debridement and internal fixation with CD rod]

To study the clinical results of focal debridement and primary internal fixation with CD rod in treatment of multi-segmental spinal tuberculosis.

From July 1999 to November 2002, 16 patients with multi-segmental spinal tuberculosis were given focal debridement and primary internal fixation with CD rod trans sick vertebra. There were 9 males and 7 females, aging from 21 to 59 years. The course of disease was 2 to 11 months. The locations of lesion were T6-T11 in 11 patients and T10-L2 in 5 patients. The involved vertebral bodies were 3 segments in 13 patients, 4 or more than 4 segments in 3 patients. There were 5 cases of Pott's paralysis (according to Frankel classification system: 3 cases of degree C, 2 cases of degree D) and 4 cases of kyphosis and 2 cases of collapse. Focal debridement and internal fixation was performed in 1 or 2 incisions according to concrete conditions.

All patients were followed up 11 months (6 months-3 years), spinal tuberculosis was completely cured and the grafted bones were fused in all 16 patients. All patients obtained primary healing of the incision. Postoperative complication met with cerebrospinal fluid leakage in 1 case. After 6 months, 5 cases of paraplegia recovered. The kyphosis was corrected partly. No loose and dislocation of the nails and rods was found.

Focal debridement and primary internal fixation with CD rod can stabilize involved spinal segments, prevent and correct local deformity, and improve its curative ratio and fused ratio of grafted bone.