Spine Surgery in Jos, Nigeria- An Initial Experience

Abstract

BACKGROUND Spine pathologies are a common presentation to Orthopaedicians and Neurosurgeons and include degenerative diseases of the spine, spine tumours, traumatic spine injuries, spine infections and spine deformities. Non-operative and operative treatment modalities are employed in the treatment of these conditions. The increasing ageing population worldwide has resulted in an increase in the degenerative spine conditions presenting to the clinician. Many surgical procedures are employed in the treatment of these conditions.The aim of this study was to evaluate the procedures carried out and attendant outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODSThis was a case series of spine surgeries carried out over a 2-year period (2015 to 2017) in hospitals in Jos Nigeria. The data was reviewed retrospectively. They were analysed for spine pathologies; operative procedures were carried out. Duration of procedures, outcomes and complications were observed. The outcome was assessed using numeric pain scale. Data was analysed using the Epi Info statistical software. RESULTS25 patients in total were operated within the said period. Ages ranged between 35 and 77 years, with a mean of 60.8 years. Maleto-female ratio was 1:1.5. Pathologies operated on were lumbar spondylosis with canal stenosis and instability 8 patients (32%), lumbar spondylosis with canal stenosis without instability 6 patients (24%), canal stenosis 4 patients (16%), severe cervical spondylosis 3 patients (12%), spondylolisthesis 2 patients (8%) and metastatic tumour spread to the spine 2 patients (8%). Operative procedures carried out were laminectomy with instrumented posterolateral fusion (PLF) 8 (56%), laminectomies and non-instrumented posterolateral fusion 9 (36%) and anterior cervical decompression and fusion (ACDF) 3 (12%). 21 patients had a reduction by 6 or more points on the numeric pain scale (84%). One patient had cerebrospinal fluid leak which was treated nonoperatively; 2 patients had superficial surgical site infection and one patient was reoperated for persistent radiculopathy and improved thereafter. CONCLUSIONSpine surgery is a safe and effective means of treating various spine pathologies with minimal risks and more of these procedures will be employed in view of the increasing number of patients with degenerative spine disease.