Objective To explore the application value of minimally invasive surgery in the treatment of lumbar spinal tuberculosis, and to provide reference for clinical treatment of spinal tuberculosis. Methods Data of 252 cases of patients with lumbar spinal tuberculosis treated by conservative treatment in our hospital from January 2005 to December 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into four groups on the basis of systemic application of antituberculosis chemotherapy. A total of 154 patients were given simple local chemotherapy of percutaneous placement of focus catheter (group A), 48 patients were received percutaneous perfusion drainage and local chemotherapy (group B), 32 patients underwent percutaneous puncture catheter debridement combined with local chemotherapy (group C), and 18 patients were given percutaneous debridement and internal fixation combined with local chemotherapy catheter (group D). Data of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), visual analogue scale (VAS), Oswestry disability index (ODI) score and the modified MacNab criteria were recorded before operation and at the end of the follow-up in four groups of patients. Results Of the 252 patients, 228 were followed up and 214 patients achieved clinical cure. The lost access were15 cases in group A, 5 cases in group B, 2 cases in group C and 2 cases in group D. The total rate of lost visit was 9.52%. The follow up duration ranged from 25-126 months. The mean duration of follow-up was 68(60, 76) months. A total 214 cases reached the standard of clinical cure. No complications (retrograde infection and cross infection) were found in all patients during treatment. ESR was statistically decreased to (7.26 ± 3.43) mm/1 h at the last follow-up (t=35.06, P=0.023) compared with that (44.96 ± 12.42) mm/1 h before operation. The VAS and ODI were 1.5(1, 3) and 30(25, 35)% at the last follow-up, which were significantly improved than those [7.5(7.0, 8.0) and 60(55, 65)%] before operation (Z=13.641 and 6.806, P<0.05). According to the improved MacNab criteria, the overall excellent and good rates for patients were 86.4%(197/228) at the last follow-up. Conclusion According to the stepped care and personalized treatment, patients of lumbar tuberculosis are preoperative comprehensive evaluated, and most patients can achieve long-term stability and a better clinical efficacy after interventional and minimally invasive treatment.