Outcome Analysis of Posterolateral Decompression and Spinal Stabilization for Tuberculous Spine

This is a prospective study to analyze the clinical, radiological, and functional outcomes of posterolateral decompression and spinal stabilization with pedicle screws and rods done for the thoracolumbar tuberculous spine.

This study was conducted at Gandhi Medical College and Hospital from September 2016 to September 2017 on 30 patients who underwent posterolateral decompression and spinal stabilization using pedicle screw and rod fixation for active spinal tuberculosis. Pain, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), kyphotic angle correction, and Frankel's grading were taken to study the clinical, radiological, and functional outcome at the end of 1 year. Other parameters taken into consideration were the duration of stay and level of involvement; antituberculous therapy was given to all the patients for 16-18 months until the signs of radiological healing were evident.

This study comprised of 30 patients with a mean age of presentation of 39.835 ± 14.75 and M: F ratio of 1:1. The mean duration of stay is 10.67 ± 4.06, and the most common level of involvement is D6-D11. Kyphotic angle was corrected by a mean of 19.08 ± 5.44 at the end of 1 year (P < 0.001). Visual analog score improved from a median of 8 preoperatively to 2 at follow-up (P < 0.001). ESR improved from a mean of 37.08 ± 12.64 mm/h preoperatively to 19.83 ± 13.68 mm/h at follow-up (P = 0.01). There was an improvement in Frankel's grading in most of the patients at the end of 12 months. Radiological healing was evident in the form of the reappearance of trabeculae formation and bony fusion at the end of 12 months.

Posterolateral approach is a good method for decompression and spinal stabilization because of significant kyphotic correction, improvement in pain, good neurological recovery, less duration of stay, and less morbidity.