Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society  1997;26(2):223-234

A Clinical Analysis of Surgically Managed Tuberculous Spondylitis.

Yeong Hyeon KIM 1 ; Jin Kyu SONG ; Ho SHIN

Affiliations

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Keywords

Tuberculous spondylitis; Anterior approach; Bone graft; Bone fusion; Spinal instrumentation

Country

Republic of Korea

Language

Korean

Abstract

Fourty three patients with tuberculous spondylitis were surgically treated through the anterior approach at our hospital from January, 1989 to December, 1994. Among them, 32 cases were followed up more than 18 months postoperatively, and were included in this study. The most prevalent location was lumbar region(50%). Paraparesis was frequently seen in patients with middle and lower thoracic spinal lesions and all patients with neurologic deficits improved after decompression of spinal cord. Autogenous rib and/or iliac strut bone grafting was performed, followed by spinal instrumentation. Solid bone fusion was obtained in all patients. There was no need for prolongation of duration of antituberculous drug therapy and no increased incidence of secondary infection due to spinal instrumentation.