Single-stage anterior debridement and reconstruction with tantalum mesh cage for complicated infectious spondylitis

To evaluate the clinical and radiographic results of patients with complicated infectious spondylitis treated with single-stage anterior debridement and reconstruction using tantalum mesh cage (TaMC) followed by immediate instrumentation.

Single-stage radical debridement and subsequent reconstruction with TaMC instead of autograft or allograft were performed to treat 20 patients with spinal deformity or instability due to complicated infectious spondylitis. Clinical outcomes were assessed by careful physical examination and regular serological tests to determine the infection control. In addition, the visual analog score (VAS), neurologic status, length of vertebral body reconstruction, and the correction of sagittal Cobb angle on radiography were recorded and compared before and after surgery. The conditions of the patients were evaluated based on the modified Brodsky's criteria.

The average VAS score significantly decreased after the surgery (from 7.4 ± 0.8 to 3.3 ± 0.8, P < 0.001). The average Cobb angle correction was 14.9 degrees. The neurologic status was significantly improved after the surgery (P = 0.003). One patient experienced refractory infection and underwent additional debridement. Eighteen patients achieved good outcome based on the modified Brodsky's criteria and significant improvement after the surgery (P < 0.001). No implant breakage or TaMC dislodgement was found during at least 24 mo of follow-up.

Single-stage anterior debridement and reconstruction with TaMC followed by immediate instrumentation could be an alternative method to manage the patients with spinal deformity or instability due to complicated infectious spondylitis.