[Surgical management of vertebral sarcoidosis]

To investigate the clinical characteristics, diagnostic foundation and treatment of vertebral sarcoidosis.

The clinical data of 13 patients with vertebral sarcoidosis who received anterior debridement and instrumentation were retrospectively analyzed.

The onset of progressive pain in the pathological region was common in the 13 patients. Neurologic deficit existed in 4 cases. Radiographic study showed multiple vertebral bone destructions, and no other systemic lesions were found. Surgical indications were progressive vertebral destruction, spinal instability or neurological deficit. Anterior vertebra resection, and autologous bone grafts fusion with internal fixation were done. No operative mortality and major complications occurred. Diagnosis was confirmed in all patients by pathological exam. After the surgery, metacortandracin treatment was given routinely for 1 year. Patients were followed up for 12-52 (median 26) months, and pain and neurological symptoms were alleviated. Visual analog scale (VAS) score was 7-10 (median 8) points preoperatively, which dropped to 0-4 (median 2) points postoperatively. All patients showed successful bone fusion with no recurrence.

For vertebral sarcoidosis associated with progressive instability and/or neurological symptoms, surgical intervention combined with steroid therapy is safe and effective.