OBJECTIVETo investigate the feasibility, clinical indications and significance of one-stage radical eradication, wedged vertebral osteotomy and instrumentation in the treatment of tuberculosis of thoracic and lumbar spine associated with kyphosis or scoliokyphosis through a purely posterior procedure.

METHODSSixteen cases with tuberculosis of thoracic and lumbar spine associated with kyphosis or scoliokyphosis were treated by one-stage radical eradication, wedged vertebral osteotomy and instrumentation fixation through posterior procedure. All patients included 12 males and 4 females, and the average age was 37.1 years (from 17 to 53 years). The preoperative average Cobb angle of kyphosis was 78.3 degrees (range from 54 degrees to 138 degrees ). There were 2 cases associated with scoliosis (the Cobb angle of scoliosis was 31 degrees and 24 degrees), and 1 case with lateral transition. Spinal cord compression were found in 7 cases. According to the Frankel's classification, 2 cases belonged to C degree, and 5 cases to D degree. There were 2 cases with caudal equina or nerve root lesions.

RESULTSThe average blood loss during the operation was 1100 ml (range from 450 to 2200 ml), and the average operation time was 265 min (range from 215 to 325 min). The postoperative results were satisfactory, 14 cases were excellent and 2 cases were good. Obvious improvement was obtained in 9 cases with neurological dysfunction. The postoperative average Cobb' angle was 28.5 degrees (range from 0 degrees to 67 degrees), and the corrective rate was 63.6%. The followed-up was ranged from 14 to 52 months with an average of 26.3 months. There were no major complications related to the fixations, loss of correction and the fusion were achieved in all patients.

CONCLUSIONSOne-stage radical eradication, wedged vertebral osteotomy and instrumentation is a feasible and an effective procedure in the treatment of spinal tuberculosis associated with kyphosis or scoliokyphosis. Compared with combined anterior and posterior procedure, the surgical technique may decrease injuries and has better result.