Posterior Decompression and Fixation in Dorsolumbar Spine Tuberculosis

Many approaches and fixation methods for management of dorsolumbar spine tuberculosis have been mentioned in the literature. All approaches and methods are associated with their own advantages and disadvantages. Goals of surgery in spine tuberculosis are adequate decompression, adequate debridement, appropriate fixation, deformity correction, and prevention of further kyphotic collapse and provide an environment for better neurological and functional recovery.

We aimed to study the functional and radiological outcomes of posterior decompression and fixation in dorsolumbar spine tuberculosis.

This is a retrospective study, carried out in RIMS, Ranchi, in the period from June 2020 to December 2025. Forty-six patients were included in our study who underwent posterior decompression and fixation for dorsolumbar spine tuberculosis. All patients were examined preoperatively, postoperatively, and in the follow-up period. Data regarding different parameters, including Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score, Frankel grading, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score, kyphotic angle, operating time, intraoperative blood loss, any complications, neurological recovery, and resolution of disease, were recorded and analyzed.

In our series, all 46 patients underwent posterior decompression and pedicle screw fixation and showed significant neurological and functional improvement assessed by Frankel grading, ODI score, and VAS score.

Posterior decompression and fixation is the preferred surgical technique for dorsolumbar spine tuberculosis. It is less technically demanding, more familiar, easily learnable, less morbid, safe, reliable, and devoid of complications associated with thoracotomy and laparotomy. It is effective in achieving adequate decompression, allows early mobilization, and avoids problems of prolonged recumbency resulting in better functional outcome as well as improvement in deformity correction.