Tuberculous spondylitis. Experience with costovertebrotomy--spondylodesis

After a brief review of the treatment of articular tuberculosis costovertebrotomy-spondylodesis is recommended on the basis of experience in 196 cases. Spondylodesis with the resected rib is performed after cleansing of the focus. The method allows early mobilization of the patient and promotes healing of the destroyed vertebrae. The late results are also discussed.