Comparison of single posterior debridement, bone grafting, and instrumentation with single anterior debridement, bone grafting, and instrumentation in treatment of thoracic spinal tuberculosis

Abstract

Objective To explore the clinical effect of single posterior debridement, bone grafting, and instrumentation and single anterior debridement, bone grafting and instrumentation in the treatment of thoracic spinal tuberculosis of adult patients. Methods: A retrospective analysis was made by involving 38 adult patients with thoracic spinal tuberculosis from between June 2013 and December 2015. Of the 38 patients, 21 patients were categorized in single anterior approach group and underwent single posterior debridement, bone grafting, and instrumentation (Group A). The remaining 17 patients were classified in single posterior approaches group (Group B), which received single posterior debridement, bone grafting and instrumentation. Clinical manifestations, laboratory and imaging results of the two groups were analyzed subsequently. Results: All patients were followed up for 23.9 ± 3.8 m (range, 19–36 m). Bony fusion was achieved in all bone grafts. The operation time and intraoperative blood loss in group B were significantly less than those in group A (P<0.05). The VAS scores, ESR, and CRP levels 6 weeks after operation and at the final follow-up were significantly lower than the preoperative levels (P<0.05). At the last follow-up, ASIA improvement no significant difference between groups (P>0.05). Furthermore, the postoperative and final-follow-up kyphosis angles in group B were both significantly smaller than those in group A (P<0.05). Group A had a postoperative angle correction rate smaller than group B, and its postoperative angle loss was greater than group B’s (P<0.05). Conclusion: Single posterior debridement, bone grafting, and instrumentation can achieve similar curative effect as single anterior debridement, bone grafting and instrumentation in the treatment of thoracic spinal tuberculosis, but also accompanied by additional advantages of shorter operation time and less bleeding .