One-stage posterior approach for treating multilevel noncontiguous thoracic and lumbar spinal tuberculosis

Multilevel noncontiguous thoracic and lumbar spinal tuberculosis (MNST) is a relatively rare entity. The objective of this retrospective study was to investigate whether a technique involving a one-stage posterior debridement and decompression, combined with an intervertebral fusion and posterior instrumentation, is effective for treating MNST.

Thirteen patients, with an average age of 40.69 (18-67) years, who had MNST and were surgically treated in our department from January 2008 to October 2013, were reviewed.

The average follow-up time was 37.54 ± 10.49 (19-58) months. The mean Cobb angle range was 15.69° ± 00A09.09° (-3° to 33°). The mean erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was 47.69 ± 9.30 mm/h (range 30-62 mm/h) before the operation. Neurological deficits were evaluated using the Frankel grade system. The mean Cobb angle decreased to 6.92° ± 3.93° postoperatively. Three months after the operation, the Cobb angle was 7.54° ± 4.35°, and the average ESR was 10.38 ± 4.54 mm/h that was normal for all cases in this retrospective observational study. Solid fusion was achieved in all cases. No severe complications occurred.

The study demonstrated that a one-stage posterior debridement and decompression, combined with an intervertebral fusion and posterior instrumentation, was effective for treating MNST.