A comparative study of three approaches for the treatment of lumbosacral tuberculosis

The posterior (P), antero-posterior (AP), and anterior approaches (A) with a new complex locking rod system (D-rod system) were performed on 64 patients with lumbosacral tuberculosis respectively and the efficacies of the three approaches were compared in our study. Related data were then collected and compared with an average of 27.0 months follow up. The lumbosacral angles, VAS, ODI, ESR, and Frankel Grade were significantly improved at the post-operation or final follow-up when compared to preoperative scores. The average surgical time, blood loss, and hospital stay following anterior and posterior approaches were markedly less than those following antero-posterior approach. Moreover, there was no tuberculosis recurrence in AP and A group. However, P group had a recurrence rate of 11.1% (2/18). None of the patients in P and A group developed intraoperative or postoperative complications, while two cases were found in AP group. Taken together, anterior approach with the D-rod system is an appropriate method for lumbosacral tuberculosis treatment.