Comparison of Long‐Term Clinical and Radiographical Outcomes between the Anterior and Combined Anterior and Posterior Approaches for Treating Lumbosacral Tuberculosis

Abstract

Background: Both the anterior and combined anterior and posterior approaches have been used to treat lumbosacral tuberculosis. However, long-term follow-up studies of each approach have not been conducted. We aimed to compare the long-term clinical and radiographical outcomes between the two approaches.Methods: We included 49 patients with a minimum 6-year follow up between January 2008 to March 2012. Twenty-four patients underwent the anterior approach (group A) and 25 underwent the combined anterior and posterior approach (group B). We collected clinical data, such as visual analogue scale scores, Oswestry disability index scores and neurological status, and radiographical data, such as lumbosacral angle and lumbar lordosis. Furthermore, operative time, length of stay, and intraoperative and postoperative blood loss (IBL, PBL) were recorded.Results: Both groups had satisfactory clinical and radiographical outcomes until follow up. All patients achieved bony fusion, and no group differences were found in any of the clinical indices. Both groups corrected and maintained lumbosacral angle and lumbar lordosis. However, operative time, length of stay,