Vertebral Tuberculosis: Mechanical Complications of Titanium Cage vs. Structural Allograft Surgery

Abstract

Objective: This scientific article describes a retrospective longitudinal study that aimed to compare the outcomes and mechanical complications between patients who underwent the use of either structural allograft (SA) or titanium cage (TC) for vertebral body replacement in the management of tuberculosis in thoracic and lumbar segments. Methods: The sample consisted of 22 cases of vertebral tuberculosis surgically treated, of which 17 cases applied TC containing autograft, and five cases applied SA from a tissue bank. The median age in group A was 32.1, and in group B was 5.2. Results: The results showed no statistical difference in the number of resected vertebrae, the amount of instrumented levels, and the correction of the angular value in coronal and sagittal planes as per Cobb method. Furthermore, there were no cases of subsidence, fracture, or displacement of SA or TC until the last postoperative follow-up. However, in group A, four cases of metal rod fracture, one case of proximal junctional failure, and three cases of operative wound infection were identified, all of which improved after debridement and antibiotic therapy. Conclusion: It was concluded that both SA and TC filled with autologous bone for anterior column support and vertebral body replacement in treating tuberculosis presented similar postoperative correction outcomes with similar rates of postoperative mechanical complications. Future studies with larger samples and longer follow-up periods are necessary to evaluate the occurrence of rod fracture. Level of Evidence III; Retrospective comparative study.